Preterm labor: Difference between revisions
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==Management== | ==Management== | ||
*Fetal Heart Monitor | |||
*U/S to assess placental position | |||
==Disposition== | ==Disposition== | ||
Revision as of 21:09, 20 March 2015
Background
- Defined as labor before 37 weeks (uterine ctx and cervical change)
- Increased risks to child depending on age of fetus
- Cerebral palsy, poor lung development, cognitive delay, etc
- Can be triggered by maternal infx, stress, HTN, uncontrolled DM
Clinical Presentation
- Similar to term labor
- Uterine contractions q 10 min (may be irregular)
- New onset of vaginal mucus, blood, pink discharge, amniotic fluid
- Low back ache, vaginal pressure
Differential Diagnosis
Diagnosis
- Start with ultrasound to assess position of cervix
- Do NOT perform digital exam in patients who present with vaginal bleeding when >20 weeks pregnant
Management
- Fetal Heart Monitor
- U/S to assess placental position