Do frequent Braxton Hicks contractions lead to preterm labor?

Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

Updated on September 11, 2024

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In the late stages of pregnancy, there may be occurrences of Braxton Hicks contractions, generally happening at a low frequency of about two to three times per day. Some individuals experience these false contractions primarily at night, which disappear during the day. This is considered normal physiological behavior in the late stages of pregnancy.

If there is a frequent occurrence of Braxton Hicks contractions, it may also lead to the dilation of the cervix, causing premature labor. Therefore, if this situation arises and the fetus is not yet full-term, it is recommended to go to the hospital for an examination in a timely manner, and symptomatic treatment to maintain the pregnancy may be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

1min 15sec

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How to care for premature infants

Women with premature infants should primarily focus on the following aspects: Firstly, they should ensure proper thermal protection to avoid the baby getting cold, and can use fleece hats for the baby. Secondly, attention should be given to the feeding method; premature infants should start breastfeeding as soon as possible when appropriate. If breast milk is insufficient, special formula milk for premature infants can be used. Thirdly, special attention should be given to managing the baby's breathing since premature infants might experience respiratory pauses, requiring close monitoring. Fourthly, due to the low body weight and poor immune function of premature infants, making them prone to infections, it is crucial to prevent infections and avoid cross-infection through frequent handwashing and maintaining good indoor ventilation and hygiene. Fifthly, it is important to ensure adequate supplementation of vitamins and trace elements. Sixthly, particular care should be taken with the skin and mucous membrane care, as premature infants have delicate skin and are prone to skin infections. Lastly, timely and regular vaccinations are also very important.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

45sec

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Preterm birth refers to how many weeks?

Premature birth refers to a baby born after the pregnancy has reached 28 weeks but before completing 37 weeks. Most of these babies weigh less than 2500 grams at birth and have poorer adaptive abilities compared to full-term babies. They require special care. Feeding premature infants can be challenging. They generally need to be fed breast milk or formula every two to four hours. Start by feeding once or twice; if there is no vomiting for six to eight hours, continue feeding some milk. Also, position the baby's head to one side to prevent inhalation of vomit.

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Written by Liu Wen Li

Obstetrics

52sec

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Does placenta previa cause preterm birth?

Placenta previa is likely to lead to premature birth. Why is that? Placenta previa refers to the condition where the placenta is positioned lower in the uterus, and the most common symptom is recurrent, painless bleeding during pregnancy. This is because the low-lying placenta often leads to frequent bleeding. If the bleeding is minimal, there is still hope to maintain the pregnancy, allowing the fetus to grow longer inside the uterus. However, in the event of heavy bleeding, if the baby remains in the uterus without delivery, a critical situation can arise due to blood loss, potentially leading to the disappearance of fetal heart activity. At this point, the pregnancy would need to be terminated, thus often resulting in premature birth.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

57sec

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What are the signs of premature birth?

Preterm birth refers to delivery occurring between the 28th and 36th week +6 days of pregnancy. Firstly, it is advised to prioritize prevention and identify the symptoms of preterm labor as early as possible to allow for early treatment. Signs of preterm labor include the following aspects: First, the occurrence of regular contractions, such as 4 contractions within 20 minutes or 8 contractions within 60 minutes, with each contraction lasting more than a minute; second, the appearance of a small amount of bloody show, which is a sign of imminent labor; third, many times pregnant women will experience a significant feeling of heaviness. Upon examination, cervical dilation and a shortening of the cervical canal may be found. When these symptoms appear, it is important to rest in bed promptly and undergo treatment with medications.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie

Obstetrics

49sec

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Is a posterior placenta more likely to lead to premature birth?

The placenta is divided into anterior and posterior walls, with the posterior wall being a normal location for the placenta, which is unrelated [to preterm birth]. Generally, there is a hereditary tendency for preterm birth, and it is more likely to occur in individuals with certain physical constitutions or in cases of twin pregnancies. Additionally, people with gestational diabetes are also prone to preterm birth. Therefore, the posterior wall of the placenta has no correlation with preterm birth. Conditions like placenta previa or premature placental detachment are placental positions that can lead to preterm birth issues, and some people may experience preterm birth under these circumstances.