Premature Labor: Diagnosis & Tests (Preterm Labor)

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Premature Labor: Diagnosis & Tests
Category : Health Centers > Pregnancy and Childbirth

Premature Labor

Alternate Names : Preterm Labor

Premature Labor | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

How is the condition diagnosed?

A woman who notices any of the signs of premature labor should see the healthcare provider right away. The cervix is checked immediately to see whether it has begun to change. This is the only way to know for sure if preterm labor has begun.

Mobile home monitoring is also available to help identify preterm labor. The woman wears a uterine contraction monitor several times a day. A recording of the contractions is sent by phone to a central unit so it can be evaluated by doctors or nurses.

Fetal monitoring is used to record the heartbeat of the fetus and the contractions of the uterus. Pregnancy ultrasound may also be used to estimate the size and age of the baby and to see where it is in the uterus.

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Premature Labor: Symptoms & Signs		Premature Labor: Prevention & Expectations

Author: Dr. Karen Wolfe, MBBS, MA
Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed: 06/01/01

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