Preterm labor—when labor begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy—is one of the leading causes of newborn complications and death. In many cases, doctors can manage the condition and prevent early delivery. But when warning signs are missed or treatment is delayed, the results can be devastating—and may point to medical negligence.

This article covers the causes of preterm labor, the treatments doctors may use to manage it, and what happens when those treatments aren’t provided in time.

What Causes Preterm Labor?

Preterm labor can happen for many reasons, and often involves multiple risk factors. Some of the most common include:

1. Infections
   Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis, and intrauterine infections can all lead to inflammation that triggers early contractions.
   
2. Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities
   Issues like an incompetent cervix, uterine malformations, or a history of cervical surgery can increase the chance of preterm labor.
   
3. Multiple Pregnancies
   Carrying twins, triplets, or more increases pressure on the uterus and can bring on early contractions.
   
4. Placental Problems
   Conditions like placental abruption or placenta previa can cause bleeding or distress, often requiring early delivery.
   
5. Lifestyle Factors
   Smoking, substance use, inadequate prenatal care, and high stress levels have all been linked to early labor.
   
6. Previous Preterm Birth
   A history of preterm delivery is one of the strongest predictors of future preterm labor.
   

What Can Doctors Do to Stop or Delay Preterm Labor?

When preterm labor is suspected, prompt action is critical. Medical professionals have several tools to try to slow or stop early labor:

1. Tocolytic Medications
   These drugs help temporarily stop contractions, giving doctors time to administer other treatments or transfer the mother to a specialized facility.
   
2. Antenatal Corticosteroids
   Steroid injections like betamethasone help speed up lung development in the baby, reducing the risk of serious breathing issues after birth.
   
3. Magnesium Sulfate
   Given before an early delivery, this medication can help protect the baby’s brain and reduce the chance of cerebral palsy.
   
4. Antibiotics
   If an infection is present or if the water breaks early (known as PPROM), antibiotics can help prolong the pregnancy and protect the baby.
   
5. Cervical Cerclage
   For women diagnosed with cervical insufficiency, a stitch may be placed to help keep the cervix closed and prevent early labor.
   
6. Bed Rest and Hydration
   Once widely recommended, strict bed rest is now controversial due to risks like blood clots and reduced muscle tone. It’s used more selectively today.
   

What Happens If Preterm Labor Isn’t Stopped in Time?

If early labor is not treated quickly—or if treatment is delayed or mismanaged—serious complications can occur:

Risks to the Baby:

• Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
  
• Brain bleeds (intraventricular hemorrhage)
  
• Intestinal complications like necrotizing enterocolitis
  
• Infection or sepsis
  
• Long-term disabilities including cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and hearing or vision loss
  

Risks to the Mother:

• Surgical complications from emergency C-sections
  
• Infections
  
• Emotional trauma from a premature or critically ill newborn
  

When Medical Negligence May Be Involved

Not all cases of preterm labor are preventable—but in some situations, medical negligence plays a role. A provider may be liable if they:

• Fail to recognize or respond to symptoms of early labor
  
• Don’t administer timely treatments like tocolytics or steroids
  
• Delay a necessary transfer to a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
  
• Don’t inform the patient of risks or treatment options
  

In legal terms, malpractice occurs when a medical provider doesn’t meet the standard of care—what another reasonable doctor would have done in the same situation—and that failure leads to harm.

What Are Your Legal Options After a Premature Birth Injury?

If your child was born early and suffered serious complications—and you believe the situation wasn’t handled properly—you may have grounds for a birth injury lawsuit. These cases often require a detailed review of medical records, expert testimony, and a clear link between negligent care and the outcome.

Damages in these cases may cover:

• Medical costs, both current and future
  
• Specialized care, therapy, or equipment
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Emotional trauma
  
• Wrongful death in fatal cases
  

Your Pennsylvania Birth Injury Attorney

Preterm labor is a serious medical challenge, but with the right care, many premature births can be delayed or better managed. When that care doesn’t happen, and a baby is harmed as a result, it’s important for families to know their rights.

At Latona Law, we help families navigate the complex intersection of birth injury and medical malpractice. If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies as negligence, we’ll review your case and provide clear, compassionate guidance—so you can move forward with confidence.