By 28 to 30 weeks, the risk of these complications is much lower. And for babies born between 32 and 35 weeks, most medical problems are short term and may even have resolved by the time the baby comes home from the hospital. If you' re experiencing preterm labor, your treatment will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy and how far your labor has progressed. Sometimes bed rest and extra fluids are enough to stop premature labor. At other times, your doctor may recommend certain medications.
Magnesium sulfate is another muscle relaxer that is given intravenously.
Medications that block the calcium channels in muscle cells will also stop contractions. Indomethicin, which is in the same family, is especially effective. Ongoing efforts are being made to produce medications that stop uterine contractions even more effectively and pose no risks for mothers who take them. If your cervix is dilating too soon in your pregnancy, a surgical procedure called cerclage may be an option. Using strong thread, a surgeon will actually stitch around the cervix to close it.