What to do if your results are positive?
Develop a plan of action
Knowing you are at higher risk will help you and your doctor prepare for a possible preterm birth and take appropriate steps to manage your pregnancy. Depending on what week of pregnancy you are in, your doctor may suggest a number of options:1
- Further action, including:
- Finding and treating any undiagnosed infection(s)
- Monitoring dilation and cervical changes
- Limiting activities
- Reducing stress
- Bed rest
- Consulting with a high-risk pregnancy specialist
- Intervention, including:
- Antenatal steroid injections, which can help rapidly develop your baby’s lungs before birth
- Magnesium sulfate, which can offer neural protection
- Tocolytic drugs, which can help reduce preterm contractions
- Preparing for neonatal care:
- Hospital admission for optimal care
- Transfer to an appropriate NICU hospital
Make preparations
Knowing you are at higher risk of a preterm delivery gives you and your loved ones the chance to make personal and
practical preparations at home:
- Get enough rest, as directed by your doctor
- Ask for help from your support system
- Plan ahead for what you’ll need to keep your household running
- Know the signs and symptoms of preterm labor
- Pack a delivery bag, knowing which hospital to go to and planning transportation
- Make sure you have everything you’ll need when you bring your baby home