Preterm Birth

A preterm birth—one that occurs before 37 weeks—can happen unexpectedly or be medically indicated. If you have risk factors or experience early labour signs, Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare offers specialist guidance from our private obstetricians, close monitoring, and advanced interventions to improve outcomes for you and your baby.

• Early Risk Detection: We screen for factors like cervical length issues, infection, or multiple pregnancy.
• Preventative Measures: From progesterone supplementation to cervical cerclage, we use proven strategies to prolong pregnancy where possible.
• Timely Steroid Administration: Helping accelerate the baby’s lung maturity if preterm delivery is likely.
• Seamless Referral: If specialised neonatal care is required, we ensure a smooth transition to the appropriate unit.

Understanding Preterm Birth

Births that happen before 37 completed weeks of gestation are categorised as preterm. The earlier a baby is born, the greater the potential risks—such as breathing difficulties, underdeveloped organs, and long-term health issues.

Potential Causes & Risk Factors

• Multiple Pregnancy (twins, triplets).
• History of Preterm Birth or cervical insufficiency.
• Infections (e.g., urinary or vaginal) that can trigger early contractions.
• Placental Problems like previa or abruption.

Signs of Preterm Labour

• Regular Contractions or abdominal tightening before 37 weeks.
• Lower Backache or pelvic pressure.
• Vaginal Fluid Leakage (waters breaking early).
• Menstrual-like Cramps that intensify.

Management & Treatment Options

1. Monitoring & Tests
• Cervical Length Scans: Transvaginal ultrasound to identify cervical shortening.
• Foetal Fibronectin Test: Checking for a protein that may signal increased preterm labour risk.
2. Medications & Interventions
• Progesterone suppositories or injections to help stabilise the cervix.
• Tocolytics may delay labour briefly, allowing time for steroid administration or transfer to a neonatal unit.
• Steroids (e.g., betamethasone) to aid lung maturity if birth is imminent.
3. Delivery & Postnatal Considerations
• Neonatal Care: Babies born significantly early may need specialised intensive care.
• Ongoing Support: Our obstetric team and paediatric colleagues work together, ensuring you’re supported emotionally and medically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can bed rest prevent preterm birth?
• Although commonly advised, evidence on bed rest is mixed. We may recommend limiting strenuous activities or heavy lifting, but each case differs.
2. Are all preterm babies at risk of complications?
• Risk correlates with how early the baby is born. Late preterm (34–36 weeks) often fare better than very preterm (<32 weeks).
3. Will I be able to have a normal labour?
• Some women with preterm labour still deliver vaginally, while others may need a caesarean—especially if the baby is in distress.

Book Your Private Consultation

If you have risk factors for preterm birth or experience possible early labour signs, Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare is here to help. Our private obstetricians combine vigilant monitoring, proactive treatment, and collaboration with neonatal specialists to provide the best possible care.

Contact us today to arrange an appointment. Let our dedicated team support you towards a safer, well-managed pregnancy and birth.

Other Services we offer: 

Private Gynaecologists

Private GP

Private Paediatrician

Private Obstetrician & Maternity Hospital

Private Colposcopy