Can preterm labor be prevented?
There are no guarantees — but there’s much you can do to nurture a healthy, full-term pregnancy: • Seek regular prenatal care. Prenatal visits can help your health care provider monitor your health and your baby’s health. Mention any signs or symptoms that concern you, even if they seem silly or unimportant. • Eat healthy foods. During pregnancy, you’ll need more folic acid, calcium, iron, protein and other essential nutrients. A daily prenatal vitamin — ideally starting a few months before conception — can help fill any gaps. • Manage chronic conditions. Diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk of preterm labor. Work with your health care provider to keep any chronic conditions under control. • Follow your health care provider’s guidelines for activity. If you develop signs or symptoms of preterm labor, your health care provider may suggest working fewer hours or spending less time on your feet. Sometimes it makes sense to scale back other physical activitie
