Article Translations: (Spanish)
Preterm (early) delivery before 39 weeks can't always be prevented. But taking care of yourself is also the best way to take care of your baby.
Prenatal care is the health care you get while you're pregnant. Start prenatal care as soon as you know you are pregnant, and go to all checkups throughout your pregnancy.
Here are some other things you can do to lower the chance of going into labor early:
Other things that can increase a pregnant woman's chance of early labor include:
Talk to your doctor if you have any of these risks. In many cases, your doctor can help — such as offering progesterone shots to lower your chances of a preterm birth or prescribing antibiotics to fight infection.
Your doctor also can connect you with counselors or social workers who can help if you're dealing with addiction, financial troubles, or other problems.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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