For Mothers By itself, premature labor won't put you at any physical risk unless it's the result of another problem such as a uterine infection. But all treatments used to delay delivery do have some risks. For reasons that aren't clear, medications that halt uterine contractions often cause fluid to collect in the mother's lungs. This causes breathing difficulties and can be a risk for both you and your baby. Other side effects depend on the medication used to stop labor.
Some medications can lead to fatigue and muscle weakness.
Others may cause a rapid heart beat, blood sugar abnormalities or stomach ulcers. You and your doctor will need to consider your own risk if medications are used to stop labor as well as the risks to your baby if he or she is born too soon. If your baby is premature, how well he or she will do depends largely on your baby's age at birth. Risks are greatest for the most premature babies those born between 23 and 26 weeks. Although babies born at 23 weeks may have only a 30 percent to 50 percent chance of surviving, survival rates increase rapidly after that.