When you visit your doctor or nurse-midwife, you will probably have a lot of questions that you may find difficult to ask. The more information you give your doctor about how you are feeling and your history, the better he or she can help manage your pregnancy. So before your next doctor's visit, you may find the following discussion guide helpful as you prepare your list of questions to ask.
Should you talk to your doctor about preterm labor? These questions will help you decide.
I have had a previous preterm birth.
I am pregnant with twins, triplets, or more.
I have been told that I have certain uterine or cervical abnormalties.
I have contractions (your abdomen tightens like a fist).
I have a change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina).
I have pelvic pressure (the feeling that your baby is pushing downward).
I have low, dull backache.
I have cramps that feel like my period.
I have abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea.
If you've checked Yes for any of the above, you should talk with your doctor about your risk for preterm labor.
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