Premature Labor??

[Loni1988]

My last pregnancy I had my son at 29 weeks, he was 3lbs 5ozs. I am trying to get pregnant again and I was told by  a friend that if you have one premature pregnancy then they all will be premature. Is this true?? I do have Grave's Disease and Gallstones. I would be very thankful if anybody could help me.... Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

According to American pregnancy association, Women are at greatest risk for premature labor if:
• They are pregnant with multiples
• They have had a previous premature birth
• They have certain uterine or cervical abnormalities
There are various other numerous factors including socioeconomic status, nutrition of mother during pregnancy, smoking or alcohol intake during pregnancy or infections of kidneys, genitalia or ureters.

However to prevent premature labour,pls take a healthy diet and remain stress free. Also count the no. of contractions that you experience. If these contractions become regular or more frequent (one every 10-12 minutes for at least an hour) they may be premature labor contractions which can cause the cervix to open. It is important to contact your gynaec immediately.

If you suspect you are having signs and symptoms of premature labor; empty your bladder, Lie down tilted towards your left side and avoid lying flat on your back as this may cause the contractions to increase. Drink several glasses of water because dehydration can cause contractions.Byt if the contractions still increase then pls contact a doctor.

I hope I have provided you with sufficient infor mation.In case you need any more then pls log on to sites like http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/prematurelabor/PRL_causes.html and http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/prematurelabour1.shtml

You will get an idea of the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy.

Take care and pls do keep us posted.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
There is no evidence to support the fact that if you have had one premature babies all your subsequent pregnancies will result in premature deliveries.
Please make sure that your thyroid levels are under control during the entire course of pregnancy. You may be relieved to know that some women with graves disease go into remission and have absolutely normal thyroid levels through out pregnancy without treatment.
Take care!

[Jashebja]

I have 3 children.  By the way no one can tell if you are going to have premature pregnancies.  I had two children premature and they were girls.  When I got pregnant with my 3 rd I was scared to death I was going to do the same thing.  Then I carried him full term and never went into preterm labor.  It just depends on your body.  I was young when I had my 2 girls.  So the docs think it was that.  So you can never know.  .So just know that you will always wonder that. But just take care of your body and eat and drink and do what the docs say.  Thats all you can do. And pray.