A doctor or nurse-midwife must consider many factors when
deciding how to treat
preterm labor. Treatment to slow or stop labor may not
be used, or may be stopped, if a fetus:
- Has an abnormal heart rate or shows other signs
of not tolerating labor. In such a case, a
cesarean section (C-section) delivery is sometimes
necessary to prevent fetal harm.
- Is small for its age, may be
undernourished, or both.
- Has been affected by
tocolytic medicine used to stop labor.
- Has
died before birth.
If results from an
amniocentesis have shown that the fetus's lungs are
mature, a mother in preterm labor may be allowed to deliver without
delay.
