Preterm Labor: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Having a baby is an amazing and life-changing experience, and one of the most important parts of the journey is the nine months of pregnancy. During the third trimester, your body is going through major changes that can be both exciting and uncomfortable. At 33 weeks pregnant, many women experience a range of symptoms, including diarrhea and cramping.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the causes and treatments of 33 weeks pregnant diarrhea and cramping. We will also be discussing what to expect during this stage of pregnancy and how to manage any uncomfortable side effects. It is important to find relief from any cramping and diarrhea so that you can enjoy the last few weeks of your pregnancy. By understanding the potential causes and treatments of 33 weeks pregnant diarrhea and cramping, you can make sure that you and your baby remain safe and healthy.

How do you know if you’re in preterm labor?

It’s important to learn the signs of preterm labor. If you experience any of the following symptoms and they don’t go away within an hour, or if the pain is severe and persistent, call your healthcare provider right away:

Four or more contractions (or tightening and relaxing of the muscles in your uterus) in one hour that don’t go away after changing your position or relaxing.

Regular tightening or low, dull pain in your back that either comes and goes or is constant (but isn’t relieved by changing positions or other comfort measures).

Lower abdominal cramping that might feel like gas pain (with or without diarrhea).

Increased pressure in your pelvis or vagina.

Persistent menstrual-like cramps.

Increased vaginal discharge or discharge that’s mucus-like or tinged pink.

Leaking of fluid from your vagina. This could be amniotic fluid.

Vaginal bleeding.

Flu-like symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Decreased fetal movements (if you don’t feel at least six movements in one hour).

Braxton Hicks contractions are a type of practice contraction that can help you get ready for the real deal. When you rest or change positions, real contractions become more painful, closer together, and continue. To be certain that what you feel is a contraction, speak with your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

Many factors can contribute to preterm labor. Some are within your control, while others aren’t.

The following three risk factors increase your likelihood of going into early labor:

You’ve had a premature baby in the past.

You’re pregnant with twins, triplets or more.

You have a problem or had a problem in the past with your uterus, cervix or vagina.

You experienced vaginal bleeding throughout your pregnancy.

You’re pregnant via IVF.

You’re pregnant with a baby suspected of having a congenital disability.

Short spacing between pregnancies.

You’re younger than 17 or older than 35.

You’re Black.

Lack of prenatal care.

You’re underweight or overweight before pregnancy.

You don’t gain enough weight during pregnancy.

You consume a poor diet.

You smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs.

You have a physically demanding job where you stand for several hours a day or work long hours.

You’re highly stressed or anxious.

You’re exposed to teratogens like chemicals, lead, radiation or other harmful substances.

Your healthcare provider diagnoses preterm labor by examining your cervix. You might be in preterm labor if your cervix is effaced (thin) and dilated (open). Along with a pelvic examination, your doctor might also do the following:

Ultrasound: An ultrasound can help determine the size of the fetus and its position in your uterus and check for problems with the placenta or with your amniotic fluid.

Monitor contractions: Your provider may hook you up to a monitor that measures your contractions.

Fetal fibronectin test: Your provider takes a sample of your vaginal fluid to check for fetal fibronectin. This is a protein that helps the amniotic sac stick to your uterus. If it’s in your discharge, it could mean labor has begun.

Each year, travelers are affected by the common illness known as traveler’s diarrhea. Traveler’s diarrhea typically starts within a week of departure, but it can occur at any time. It is important to know the area of your destination. In developing nations in South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, there are more dangerous areas. Consuming food or water that has been contaminated with feces is the main cause of traveler’s diarrhea.

You might need to see a doctor if your diarrhea doesn’t get better on its own. You might require antibiotics if bacteria or parasites are to blame for your diarrhea during pregnancy. Antibiotics will not relieve diarrhea if a virus is to blame. You must consult your healthcare provider to ascertain the cause.

The likelihood of experiencing diarrhea during the third trimester increases as your due date approaches. It can happen just before labor or a few weeks beforehand, and it may be a sign that labor is on the horizon. Premature birth should not be anticipated if it is a few weeks before your due date.

The majority of diarrhea cases will go away on their own in a few days. The main concern of diarrhea is staying hydrated. To replenish your body’s lost electrolytes and rehydrate, make sure to consume plenty of water, juice, and broth. Your lost fluids will be replaced by the water, your potassium levels by the juice, and your sodium levels by the broth.

One of the unfortunate discomforts that may occur during pregnancy is diarrhea. Having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements in a day is considered to have diarrhea, which is a condition with the literal meaning of “flowing through.” The main concern is to stay hydrated if you have three runny, watery bowel movements in one day. Dehydration can be serious, even deadly. Drink plenty of water and avoid soda and coffee. Even though diarrhea rarely poses a life-threatening threat, it should not be ignored, particularly while pregnant.

How do doctors manage preterm labor?

You may require medication to stop or slow down labor if you are in early labor. Your provider might need to deliver the fetus early if labor has advanced and can’t be stopped. Additionally, there are drugs to support the lungs and organs of an early-born fetus. Your provider will evaluate:

How many weeks pregnant you are.

If it’s safe for the fetus to be born.

The reason you may be in early labor (such as due to a medical condition, an issue with the placenta or infection).

FAQ

Does diarrhea and stomach cramps mean labor is near?

What does diarrhea mean at 33 weeks pregnant?

How long after diarrhea and cramping does labor start?

When should I worry about diarrhea in my third trimester?

Signs of Preterm Labor | Kaiser Permanente