Preventing Pre-Term Labor

Some women can do almost anything while pregnant and never feel any symptoms,others have to be more careful. You only need to change those activities that bring on pre-trm labor symptoms. If you have questions about what you can and cannot do, your healthcare provider can help you figure out which activities are safe.

Tips for Adjusting Your Daily Activities

Rest & Standing
Rest is very important for all pregnant women, especially those at risk for pre-term labor.

• Sit with your feet up every morning and afternoon.
• Lie on your left side for one hour if you experience any pre-term labor symptoms.
• Get extra rest, if possible.
• Lie down each morning and each afternoon for 15-30 minutes.
• If you work outside the home and have to stand most of the time, take 15-minute breaks in the morning and afternoon when you can put your feet up.
• Sit down while you work or when preparing meals. Try keeping your feet on a box under your desk.

Work
Most women can work without problems throughout their pregnancies. For some, the physical activity of work can bring on pre-term labor symptoms. Pay special attention to any symptoms that happen at work. This is especially important if you perform hard physical work or if your work involves vibrating machinery. Check with your employer to see if any of the following steps might be possible:

• Change to a different department while you are pregnant where the work is not so physically difficult.
• Work part time for a few months.
• Change your hours so you don't have the stress of commuting during peak traffic times.
• If you do have to stop work, your health care provider can provide a note for disability time off.

Alcohol and Drugs
Using alcohol and drugs of any kind can increase your chances of having your baby too early. While you are pregnant do not use:

• Alcohol, Tobacco, or Street Drugs (crack, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etc.) .
• Drugs of any kind, including over-the-counter, except those specifically prescribed for you by your provider.

Walking
Walking is a good form of exercise for most pregnant women. For some, however, walking briskly or carrying heavy bags while walking can bring on pre-term labor symptoms. If you notice pelvic pressure, cramping, or other discomfort:

• Slow your pace.
• Don't carry heavy packages while you walk.

Traveling & Commuting
Long car and airplane trips can bring on pre-term labor symptoms in some women.

• Don't take long trips until after the baby is born.
• Tell your healthcare provider about the symptoms you had.
• If you must travel, stop at least once each hour to get up and walk around.
• Leave home a little earlier than usual. Allow extra time to get to the bus or train stop.
• Don't run if you see your bus or train coming! Wait for the next one instead.

Sexual Activity
Most pregnant women don't need to restrict their sexual activity unless they experience pre-term symptoms during or after sex. If you have cramping, contractions or any other symptoms after sexual activity:

• Don't have sex again until you talk to your healthcare provider.
• Talk about your symptoms with your partner.
• See if both you and your partner can talk to your provider about your symptoms and what sorts of sexual activity might be safe.

Strenuous Physical Activity
Physical activities can bring on pre-term labor symptoms in some women. If any symptoms begin when you are doing any of these activities, don't do them again until you talk to your health care provider.

• Sports: running, jogging, aerobics, bike riding and other active sports can cause problems for some women. If you feel symptoms, stop until you talk to your provider.
• Climbing stairs: If you find that several trips up and down the stairs each day brings on pre-term labor symptoms, try to organize your tasks so you make only one trip down and one trip up each day.
• Heavy lifting: carrying groceries or laundry baskets or toting heavy toddlers can start pre-term symptoms in some women. Ask someone to help you. Avoid carrying your toddler by using a stroller, asking the child to walk, or sitting rather than standing with him or her in your arms.
• Heavy housework: scrubbing floors, washing walls, or any other strenuous housework may have to wait until after the baby is born. Lighter housework can be adjusted if you feel any symptoms. Try sitting down when you iron or fold clothes, or prepare food for cooking.

Illnesses
Certain infections can cause symptoms of pre-term labor. Your healthcare provider will probably do a special test or culture of the lower part of your womb (cervix) sometime during your pregnancy. Infections in your urinary tract can also cause pre-term labor.

• Get early and regular prenatal care.
• Drink at least six glasses of water each day.
• If you notice burning or pain when you urinate or feel the need to go to the bathroom all the time, tell your healthcare provider.
• If your provider gives you medicine for any infection, take it all as directed and check back to make sure the infection is gone.