The OB/GYN Center 

Self Care Measures to Prevent

Preterm Labor

 

Rest two to three times a day lying on your left side.

Drink 2 to 3 quarts of water or fruit juice each day. Avoid caffeine drinks. Filling a quart container and drinking from it will eliminate the need to keep track of numerous glasses of fluid.

Empty your bladder at least every two hours during waking hours.

Avoid lifting heavy objects. If other small children are in the home, work out alternatives for picking them up, such as sitting on a chair and having them climb up on your lap.

Avoid prenatal breast preparation such as nipple rolling or rubbing nipples with a towel. This is not meant to discourage breast feeding but to avoid potential increase of uterine irritability from nipple stimulation.

Pace necessary activities to avoid overexertion.

Sexual activity may need to be modified or eliminated.

Find pleasurable ways to help compensate for limitations of activities and boost spirits - massages, manicures and pedicures.

Try to focus on one day or one week at a time rather than longer periods of time.

If on bedrest, get dressed each day and rest on a couch rather than becoming isolated in the bedroom.

This information is provided as a resource onlyand not intented to be a recommendation or a substitute for consultationwith your physician regarding your health and needs.

copyright 2005 The OB/GYN Center