REDUCe THE POSSIBILITY OF PRETERM LABOR

If you enter labor prior to 36 weeks of pregnancy, go to the hospital to make sure your baby has access to advanced medical treatment preterm babies need.

What is it?
It is labor and birth prior to 36 weeks of pregnancy. There are some known contributors to preterm labor; cervical reactivity (opening early, sometimes due to previous cervical procedures), abnormalities of the cervix or uterus, infections, fetal development, dehydration, smoking, drugs, domestic violence, trauma, pregnant with multiples, being under or overweight, diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, blood clotting disorders, and possibly stress but often the cause is unknown.

What is the Problem?
Risks to the baby are drastically increased every week before week 38 if the baby is born. Babies born prior to 24 weeks are not likely to survive. Survival for babies 24-34 weeks is largely dependent on access to top level physicians and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Overall survival rate is strongly influenced by the cause of preterm labor. 

PREVENTION STRATEGY

• Have an early ultrasound to confirm accurate dating
• Measure length of cervix during the midpregnancy ultrasound 
• Follow our guidelines for nutrition and supplementation
• Follow our guidelines for reducing risk of infections
• Please let us or someone else know if you are not physically safe in your home
• Please let us know if you are a smoker or recently stopped smoking
• Limit alcohol use
• If you are underweight, try to gain that weight PLUS 25 pounds
• If you are overweight, adjust your diet and fitness plan
• Take care of your teeth! Make “oil pulling” a part of your dental care

If you have a history of preterm birth:

• Beginning at 28 weeks of pregnancy, increase calories to 3000 and increase the amount of healthy fats in your diet. Avocado, coconut oil, grass fed meat fat, raw milk, ghee, raw butter.
• Have the following supplements and herbs on hand by 28 weeks of pregnancy: Black Haw Root, Cramp Bark Tincture, False Unicorn Tincture.
• Have vaginal cultures done at the beginning of pregnancy and again at around 28 weeks of pregnancy. 
• Don’t take raspberry leaf tincture, herb or tea
• Have your thyroid levels checked
• Don't follow any protocols to avoid going past your due date