Expert: Lawrence Jay Rappaport <B>M.D.</B> - 5/21/2004
Question I would like to know what makes you go into labor i believe if i knew maby it would help prevent pre mature labor? Is there things that make you go in labor is that out of your hands? Are there things that can prevent pre labor if so what are those things? Also what should I not do to prevent pre labor?
Answer When the baby is ready to be delivered, it (and the placenta) releases a substance (prostaglandins) that causes contractions to start, ripens the cervix, and starts the process in motion. Preterm labor can be caused if you are not hydrating yourself enough. That is why we urge you to drink plenty of fluids (at least 6 glasses per day). This can be water, soda, tea, soup, anything. Other than that, try to keep clean in the area of your vagina. Vaginal infections can cause preterm labor, as well. Sometimes, you can't prevent preterm labor. Just be on the lookout for it. If you start to have contractions at the level of your belly button every 10 minutes from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction and each one lasts for a minute, call your doctor. (When you are in labor, we ask that you wait for contractions that are 3 minutes apart lasting for 60 seconds each, at the level of your belly button. Good Luck.
