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Autumn Doermann, San Diego Connect Host: Having a baby can be one of the most exciting and
nerve-racking times in new parents lives, and finding the right hospital is at the top
of the list of those concerned. Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns is a
nationally recognized hospital for women, expectant mothers and babies. Dr. Adamczak,
thank you so much for being here today. As you can tell, I am expecting twins in June
and I have got a lot of concerns. One of my main concerns is pre-term labor, so can you
tell me what it is and what causes it?
Dr. Joanna Adamczak, Perinatologist at Sharp Mary Birch: Absolutely, thank you Autumn for
having me here today. I think the best way to describe pre-term labor is to understand
that term labor is a delivery of just after 37 weeks of gestation and pre-term labor and
delivery is anything that happens before then.
What causes pre-term labor is unfortunately most women have no known risk factors for
a pre-term delivery. However, once you have had one pre-term baby, you are at much higher
risk of having a subsequent baby prematurely. Other risk factors are a short ***, which
could be diagnosed during the mid-pregnancy, cervical surgery, vaginal bleeding and leakage
of fluid.
Autumn: And tell me what the signs are.
Dr. Adamczak: So the signs can be anything from menstrual-like cramps, contractions,
more than 4 to 6 contractions in an hour, vaginal bleeding, back pain. All of these
can be signs that a woman is going into pre-term labor.
If you are suspicious of pre-term labor, you should contact your doctor and present to
the hospital. At Sharp Mary Birch, we have a dedicated antepartum unit for the evaluation
and treatment of pre-term labor and delivery.
Autumn: How do you prevent pre-term labor?
Dr. Adamczak: The most important way to prevent pre-term labor is open communication with
your doctors. If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, you should communicate
that with your physician so that you can then be evaluated so that prevention of a preterm
delivery can happen.
Autumn: Thank you so much for being here. It was a lot great information. So thank you
very much Dr. Adamczak.
Dr. Adamczak: Thank you Autumn and good luck.
Autumn: For more information about high risk pregnancy care at Sharp Mary Birch or to find
a Sharp-affiliated physician, visit www.sharp.com/marybirch or call 1-800-82-SHARP. That is 1-800-82-SHARP.