Preterm Labor Treatment Guide

1) Purpose of Treatment
If a baby is born too early, the lungs, brain, and other organs may be immature, increasing the risk of complications.
Preterm labor suppression therapy is performed to allow more time for lung maturation and to reduce complications.
During treatment, the mother should rest, and if necessary, receive medication and steroid injections.

2) Neonatal Complications and Hospitalization Rates by Gestational Age

• 28–31 weeks: Survival rate is high, but the risks of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and sepsis remain high. Most babies require NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) care.

• 32–33 weeks: Survival prospects are generally good, and the risk of complications decreases. However, NICU admission is still common due to respiratory distress, retinopathy of prematurity, and problems with temperature or blood sugar regulation.

• 34–36 weeks: Most babies adapt well, but some may require treatment in the neonatal ward due to respiratory distress, jaundice, or temperature instability. Complications from prematurity are markedly reduced.

3) Minimum Target Gestational Age: 34 Weeks
After 34 weeks, the lungs are fairly mature, and the risks from continuing treatment (e.g., maternal side effects, medication risks) may outweigh the risks of preterm birth.
Thus, the primary goal is to maintain pregnancy until at least 34 weeks.

4) Maximum Target Gestational Age: 36 Weeks
After 36 weeks, the baby is nearly full-term, so preterm labor suppression is generally not continued unless there are special reasons.
Delivery after this point is usually considered safe.

5) Treatment Methods

• Preterm labor suppression

• Fetal lung maturation therapy

• Restrictions on daily activities

6) When Transfer to a Tertiary Care Hospital is Necessary

• If the pregnancy is less than 35 weeks and uterine contractions persist despite treatment, or cervical changes suggest imminent preterm delivery

• If there are suspected fetal abnormalities (growth restriction, oligohydramnios, abnormal fetal heart rate, etc.)

• If the mother has high-risk conditions such as severe hypertension (preeclampsia), severe diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease

• In cases of multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.)

• When it is anticipated that the newborn will definitely require NICU treatment after delivery