Preterm Labor: Care Instructions

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have a seizure.
• You have severe vaginal bleeding.
• You have severe pain in your belly or pelvis that doesn't get better between contractions.
• You have had fluid gushing or leaking from your vagina and you know or think the umbilical cord is bulging into your vagina. If this happens, immediately get down on your knees so your rear end (buttocks) is higher than your head. This will decrease the pressure on the cord until help arrives.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have signs of preeclampsia, such as:
  • Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet.
  • New vision problems (such as dimness, blurring, or seeing spots).
  • A severe headache.
• You have any vaginal bleeding.
• You have belly pain or cramping.
• You have a fever.
• You have had regular contractions (with or without pain) for an hour. This means that you have 6 or more within 1 hour after you change your position and drink fluids.
• You have a sudden release of fluid from the vagina.
• You have low back pain or pelvic pressure that does not go away.
• You notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving much less than normal.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.