Managing Premature Labor: Treatments and Interventions

Tocodynamometer to monitor uterine activity.

Terbutaline (a tocolytic) to stop or delay premature labor.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection in the mother or baby that can sometimes accompany preterm labor.

Magnesium sulfate may be given if steroid medications are ineffective in stopping premature labor and in cases where the mother has risk factors for preeclampsia.

Corticosteroids may be suggested that speed the development of the baby’s lungs and reduce breathing problems after delivery.

A cervical cerclage may be placed before the 24th week of pregnancy for women at higher risk of cervical insufficiency.

Progesterone if the patient has a short cervix.