- Labor occurring after 20th week but before 37th.
- May cause fetal death if delivered low birth weight from 35th week onwards, there's good chance of survival.
- maternal complications requiring delivery of preterm infants are:
- Placental separation with uncontrolled hemorrhage
- Severe preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Uncontrolled renal or CVD
- Premature rupture of membrane
- Chorioamnionitis
- Main nursing diagnosis: Fear
- Nursing implications:
- Bed rest in less stimulating environment at lateral recumbent position
- Adequate hydration
- Use of steroids to prevent respiratory distress syndrome for infants
- Prepare for delivery
- Administer tocolytic agents ( Vasodilan, Ritodrine, Terbutaline, Magnesium sulfate) as ordered, but prepare calcium gluconate as an antidote for Mg SO4 toxicity.