Your doctor will conduct diagnostic tests as well as a series of pelvic examinations. A transvaginal ultrasound may detect cervix dilatation.
Your doctor will also check your vaginal discharge for fetal fibronectin, a protein implicated in premature deliveries. An ultrasound may also be performed to determine the quantity of amniotic fluid and to confirm the size and gestational age of your baby. Based on the results, you may need to be hospitalized, or visit a specialist immediately.
Even after testing, it is possible that premature labor may advance to preterm birth.
In fact, just 10% of women who go into premature labor give delivery within a week. You may be treated to postpone labor, but for one-third of women, premature labor ends spontaneously.
If preterm labor persists, your doctor will give you specific advice to preserve your health and the health of your baby.