Preterm labor occurs if you are having regular contractions and your cervix is starting to ripen prior to your 37th week pf pregnancy. Preterm labor can lead to preterm birth. Preterm birth can be especially dangerous prior to the 34th week of pregnancy, and can lead to a variety of birth defects and other health problems.

Sometimes, preterm labor will stop by itself. Sometimes, it will only stop with specific treatments. Treatments can include drugs that will delay delivery, as well as steroids that can help to speed up the development of your baby’s lungs and other organs.

If you experience pre-term labor, it is likely that you will have your activities restricted. This often includes bedrest, sometimes in a hospital. These restrictions can be severely debilitating. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to cope with a prescription of bed rest. These may include:

- Ask friends and family to help. You may find that many people are anxious to do what they can to make sure your pregnancy goes well.

- Take advantage of the free time you have. Spend your time reading about the labor process, or about parenting and childcare. Rearrange photo albums, update your address books, or work on other projects you’ve put off until you have had more time.

- Get organized for the baby. Plan baby names, a gift registry, insurance issues, birth announcements, and even thank-you notes.

- Get into a routine. By having and following a regular schedule, you will feel like you are more in control of your life.

- Keep the things you need handy. Keep a telephone, a telephone book, writing utensils and paper, a brush or comb and a mirror, books, magazines, remote controls, cosmetics, and/or a laptop computer with you in bed.

- Keep in touch with the rest of your family. Ask your husband and older if they will eat breakfast in bed with you. Call your long-lost aunt and see how she is doing. Order gifts online or via the telephone for holidays such as Father’s day.

Ultimately, it is important to keep your perspective. Remember that your bed rest will not last forever; When your baby is born healthy and happy, it will have all been worth it.

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