If you are experiencing any symptoms of preterm labor, call your doctor immediately. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may tell you to come to the office or the hospital. Your doctor may also advise you to stay at home. If advised to stay at home, your doctor may tell you to drink two to three glasses of water or juice and rest on your left side for one hour. If your symptoms do not improve in one hour, or improve but return later, call your doctor again or go to the hospital. If your symptoms go away, lie down for the rest of the day. Your doctor may ask you to come to the office for a checkup.

If your preterm labor symptoms progress, you should go to the hospital. Treatment at the hospital may include the following:

Your doctor may decide not to treat your preterm labor. In such cases, labor is allowed to continue to delivery. These cases may include:

  • Excessive vaginal bleeding
  • Very high blood pressure
  • An infection in your uterus
  • The baby has fatal birth defects or has died already
  • Placental abruption