Fetal health and preterm labor
A doctor or nurse-midwife must consider many factors when deciding how to treat preterm labor. Treatment to slow or stop labor may not be used, or may be stopped, if a fetus:
- Has an abnormal heart rate or shows other signs of not tolerating labor. In such a case, a cesarean section (C-section) delivery is sometimes necessary to prevent fetal harm.
- Is small for its age, may be undernourished, or both.
- Has been affected by tocolytic medication used to stop labor.
- Has died before birth.
If results from an amniocentesis have shown that the fetus's lungs are mature, a mother in preterm labor may be allowed to deliver without delay.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: January 19, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology | |
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