Lindsey Gamrat
NURS-B231
Teaching Project Synopsis
Preventing Preterm Labor and Birth
Preterm birth is a daunting issue facing the world of Obstetrics and Neonatology. Preterm
birth is defined as birth before the 37th week of pregnancy and accounts for 12% of births in the
United States (Preterm labor, 2010). Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality
worldwide and can have lasting negative impacts on the babies that do survive (Simmons, 2010).
There are many things that parents should be aware of to help prevent preterm labor leading to
premature birth.
Several risk factors have been identified that can lead to preterm labor. Some of these
risks are modifiable, such as smoking, stress and lack of prenatal care. Some risk factors cannot
be modified, such as age, race, or income level. Certain medical conditions can also cause an
increased risk (Preterm labor, 2010). It is important for expecting parents to be aware of the
symptoms of preterm birth and take the appropriate action if the symptoms do occur. They
should also take measures to try and prevent preterm labor. Some of these methods include
regular check-ups, prenatal vitamins, and managing stress ("Preventing premature birth”). There
are also many sources of support that families can turn to; such was WIC or Prenatal Care
Coordination Services (Van Dijk, 2011). Women also need to follow bed rest orders if their
doctor advises them to do so, even though it is difficult for many families to adjust to this new
situation (Mackinnon, 2006). Premature birth is a real issue for many parents worldwide. It is
important that parents understand the severity of it and take steps to reduce their risk for the
benefit of their baby.
Lindsey Gamrat
NURS-B231
Teaching Project Outline
Preventing Preterm Labor and Birth
1. Introduction
a. Preterm birth- birth before 37th week of pregnancy
i. Accounts for 12% of all births in U.S. (1 in 8 babies)
(Preterm labor, 2010)
ii. Globally, 13 million infants each year (Simmons, 2010)
b. Complications from preterm birth are number one cause of neonatal mortality
i. One million related neonatal deaths each year
ii. Also effects child and adult morbidities (Simmons, 2010)
c. Preterm labor is the cause of most premature births (MacKinnon, 2006)
2. Risk Factors
a. Modifiable Risks
i. Little, late, or lack of prenatal care
ii. Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
iii. Certain medications
iv. Domestic violence and other types of abuse
v. Stress and working long hours
vi. Lack of social support
vii. Exposure to environmental pollutants
(Preterm labor, 2010)
b. Non-modifiable Risks
i. Age
1. Women aged less than 17 or greater than 35
ii. Race
1. African Americans have high risk
iii. Low income (Preterm labor, 2010)
c. Medical Risk factors
i. Infections
1. i.e. UTI, STI, other vaginal infections
ii. Diabetes
iii. High blood Pressure
iv. Birth defects in the fetus
v. Mothers who are underweight or obese
vi. Short interval (6-9 months or less) in between pregnancies
vii. Pregnancy as a result of in-vitro fertilization (Preterm labor, 2010)
3. Symptoms
a. Contractions
b. Change in vaginal discharge
i. Leaking fluid, blood in discharge
c. Pelvic pressure
d. Backache or abdominal cramps (Preterm labor, 2010)
4. What to do?
a. Stop and rest
b. Lay on left side for one hour
c. Drink 2-3 glasses of water
d. Call your doctor or go to the hospital (Preterm labor, 2010)
5. Prevention
a. Know the signs and what to do
b. Regular prenatal check-ups
c. Take a daily prenatal vitamin
d. Avoid modifiable risk factors
i. i.e: maintain healthy weight, avoid stress, do not smoke ("Preventing
premature birth" )
e. Social Support
i. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
ii. PNCC (Prenatal Care Coordination services)
(Van Dijk, 2011)
f. Follow strict bed rest if advised
i. Many women feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of ‘keeping the
baby in’
ii. Families may have a difficult time if the woman is unable to perform her
usual roles of housekeeping, childcare, etc. so be prepared for this
(Mackinnon, 2006)
Resources
Mackinnon, K. (2006). Living with the threat of preterm labor: Women's work of keeping the
baby in. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 35(6), 700-708.
Retrieved from
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.lib.indiana.edu/ehost/detail?sid=8b6602fd-03f5-4d3194cb4f89c2777500@sessionmgr114&vid=6&hid=126&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ
Preterm labor. (2010, April). Retrieved from
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/preterm_indepth.html
Preventing premature birth. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CHYQ
FjAE&url=http://www.awhonn.org/awhonn/binary.content.do?name=Resources/Docume
nts/pdf/2H2e_PreventPretermBirth.pdf&ei=GvqNT9G1FMr_ggek_N2sDg&usg=AFQjC
NGdq6Dd8LDiel1T02ifqSv4GQr7HQ
Simmons, L. E. (2010). Preventing preterm birth and neonatal mortality: Exploring the
epidemiology, causes, and interventions. Seminars in Perinatology, 34(6), 408-415.
Retrieved from
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.lib.indiana.edu/ehost/detail?sid=3270a310-b937-474080e543764b3e3fd9@sessionmgr115&vid=1&hid=126&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ
==
Van Dijk, J. W. (2011). The impact of prenatal care coordination on birth outcomes. Journal of
Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing,40(1), 98-108. Retrieved from
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.lib.indiana.edu/ehost/detail?sid=14fe3085-5b8e-4c68a7ab11a139b48790@sessionmgr110&vid=5&hid=126&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ