In an interview with the Health Channel, Dr. Alejandra Salazar, Obstetrician and Gynecologist with Baptist Health South Florida, describes symptoms of premature labor and what to do if you experience any of those symptoms. 

Warning signs of premature labor can be like normal pregnancy symptoms, so it can be difficult to decipher what is an issue and what is not. Dr. Salazar starts by decoding backaches which are felt during both pregnancy and labor. Back pain from labor is distinguishable from normal back pain because it is usually felt in contractions that occur about every five minutes. 

Labor induced back pain is also usually accompanied by stomach cramps, contractions, and the leaking of amniotic fluid. Dr. Salazar says that it feels like peeing your pants except no pee comes out. An increase in discharge or bleeding are also signs that you are going into labor. If you experience any of those symptoms combined or in isolation, Dr. Salazar strongly recommends that you go to the emergency room immediately. Dr. Salazar warns that vaginal bleeding is an indication that there is something wrong with the baby, so you definitely want to treat it as an emergency. 

The doctor says that though premature labor is alarming for the mother, there are many things’ doctors can do to delay a delivery. “We usually bring patients to the labor and delivery room and give them fluids. Sometimes dehydration can cause preterm labor,” Dr. Salazar explains. Patients can also be given tocolytic drugs to stop the contractions and make the patient feel more comfortable. Tocolytics also allow the patient to go back home. Although sometimes patients must stay at the hospital to be monitored depending on whether they have broken their water or not. 

To watch the full segment of Dr. Alejandra Salazar describing the symptoms of premature labor, visit the Health Channel’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/AllHealthGo