Most pregnancies and births have great outcomes, meaning that the mom and baby both are healthy, doing well, and able to go home together from the hospital.
Yet, it is important to know that all women are at risk for complications during pregnancy and delivery which could lead to serious injury, illness, disability, or death.
Our intention is to make you aware of symptoms that should prompt you to seek medical attention.
Pre-Term Labor
Preterm labor is a complication of pregnancy for both mom and baby. Preterm labor is an abnormal (pathological) process and refers to the start of labor between the 20th and 37th weeks of pregnancy.
Babies who are born preterm are at increased risk for serious injury, disability, and early death. The danger level to the baby is related to their gestational age at birth.
Your risk of having a preterm birth increases with a history of previous preterm birth, multiples pregnancy (e.g. twins, triplets), being a smoker or misusing substances, having a uterine anomaly, having a limited education, being in a low socioeconomic class, receiving prenatal care in the 2nd or 3rd trimester, and stress.
Maternal conditions like diabetes mellites, high blood pressure, having an autoimmune disease, eclampsia/preeclampsia, cholestasis, placental previa or abruption, seizures, STIs, HIV or active herpes infection, depression, age (over 35 years old and less than 17 years old), obesity, smoker, and advanced maternal age will increase your risk of adverse outcomes.
Fetal conditions like poor growth, excessive or decreased amniotic fluid, birth defects, and being a multiple will increase your risk of having a preterm birth.
Having some risk for adverse outcomes may increase the likelihood of birth defects, a stillbirth, c-section delivery or instrument assisted delivery, birth trauma, large or low birth weight baby, cerebral palsy, infection, or preeclampsia.
Contact your provider right away if you have:
- More vaginal discharge than usual
- Change in type of vaginal discharge
- Constant, low back ache
- Low pelvic or abdominal pressure
- Cramping without diarrhea
- Rupture of membranes/bag of waters
For more information about the signs and symptoms of preterm labor:
What can you do to minimize your risks and improve outcomes?
- Be an advocate for yourself, make good choices and communicate with your medical provider about your condition(s) and treatment/management plan(s).
- Refer back to
Before You Become Pregnant resources on the NE DHHS website
- Receiving regular check-ups during your pregnancy
- Managing your chronic diseases
- Taking medications as prescribed by your medical provider
- Maintaining a healthy weight, diet, activity level
- Decreasing stress
- Quitting smoking, use of alcohol, illicit/substance abuse
- Staying aware of Maternal Warning Signs and notify your doctor/healthcare provider if you have any concerns
For additional information about high-risk pregnancies:
Pregnancy and Infant Loss and Grief
All life is precious. We understand that pregnancy loss occurs. When this happens the grief and sadness are profound.
Please seek out support to help you during this time:
Maternal Loss
The death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth of following the birth of a baby is devastating for all involved.
Each year in the United States, approximately 800 women will die due to a complication(s) related to pregnancy or childbirth. Unfortunately, most of these deaths are preventable.
Be a voice and advocate for maternal health for that of yourself, your partner, family member or friend.
Many healthcare organizations are prioritizing maternal health, taking steps to address and improve practices in an effort reduce the number of maternal deaths that are preventable. In Nebraska, maternal deaths associated with a pregnancy and childbirth are reviewed by the Maternal Mortality Review Committee. The multidisciplinary team makes recommendations to improve the care for women: NE DHHS MMRC
If you have lost a loved one- reach out for support to help you during this time:
Be kind to you- give yourself grace.