Preterm Labor

It's hard to prevent preterm labor, because it usually isn't expected. Also, it's often due to causes that aren't completely understood.

But building some Reference healthy pregnancy habits—such as going to all of your doctor appointments and getting enough folic acid— may help prevent preterm labor and give your baby the best chance to be healthy.

Being pregnant with twins, triplets, or more increases the chances of preterm labor and problems for the babies.

Progesterone shots

If you had preterm labor in a previous pregnancy, your risk for having it again is high. Your doctor may consider giving you weekly progesterone shots during your second and third trimester. Research shows that these shots may help lower your risk of preterm labor.^{Reference 3}

More research is needed before other high-risk women, such as those who already have signs of preterm labor or women who are pregnant with twins or more, can be considered for progesterone treatment.

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