At Manipal Hospitals, women who are at risk of premature birth undergo careful evaluation to determine the cause and severity of preterm labour. The clinical approach focuses on delaying delivery where possible while minimising risks for both the mother and the baby.
Initial management includes monitoring uterine activity, foetal heart rate, and maternal health status. Doctors may recommend hospital admission for closer observation, especially if contractions are frequent and associated with cervical changes.
Medications may be administered to delay labour and allow time for foetal development. If required, corticosteroids are prescribed to promote lung maturity in the baby and reduce the risk of respiratory complications after birth. In certain cases, magnesium sulphate may be given for foetal neuroprotection.
A multidisciplinary team provides immediate neonatal care if delivery cannot be postponed. Preterm infants may require support in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for breathing, feeding, and temperature regulation. Ongoing follow-up visits ensure monitoring of both maternal recovery and the baby’s development, improving long-term health outcomes.
