Tips for adjusting your daily activities

Rest

Rest is very important for all pregnant women, especially those who are at risk for preterm labor.

* Sit with your feet up every morning and afternoon.

* Lie on your left side for one hour if you experience any preterm labor symptoms.

* Get extra rest if possible.

Standing

Standing can bring on symptoms in some women. If this is true for you, try some of the following:

* Plan your day so you can sit with your feet up several times each day.

* Lie down each morning and each afternoon for 15 to 30 minutes.

* If you work outside the home and have to stand most of the time, take 15 minute breaks in the morning and afternoon when you can put your feet up.

* Sit down while you work or when preparing meals. You might try keeping your feet up on a box under your desk.

Work

Most women can work without problems throughout their pregnancies. For some, the physical activity of work can bring on preterm labor symptoms.

Pay special attention to any symptoms that happen at work. This is especially important if you perform hard physical work or if your work involves vibrating machinery. Check with your employer to see if any of the following steps might be possible: * Change to a different department while you are pregnant where the work is not physically difficult.

* Work part-time for a few months.

* Change your hours so you do not have the stress of commuting during peak traffic hours.

Strenuous physical activity

Physical activities can bring on preterm labor symptoms in some women. If any symptoms begin when you are doing any of these activities, do not do them again until you talk to your health care provider. * Sports: Running, jogging, aerobics, bike riding and other active sports can cause problems for some women. If you feel symptoms, stop until you talk to your provider. * Climbing Stairs: If you find that several trips up and down the stairs each day brings on preterm labor symptoms, try to organize your tasks so you make only one trip down and one trip up each day.

* Heavy Lifting : Carrying groceries or laundry baskets or toting heavy toddlers can start preterm labor symptoms in some women. Ask someone to help you. Avoid carrying your toddler. Use a stroller, or ask the child to walk, or sit rather than stand with him or her in your arms.

* Heavy Housework: Scrubbing floors, washing walls, or any other strenuous housework has to wait until after the baby is born. Lighter housework can be adjusted if you feel any symptoms. Try sitting down when you iron or fold clothes, or prepare food for cooking.

Walking

Walking is a good form of exercise for most pregnant women. For some, however, walking briskly or carrying heavy bags while walking can bring on preterm labor symptoms. If you notice pelvic pressure, cramping or other discomfort:

* Slow your pace.

* Don't carry heavy packages while you walk.

Traveling

Long car and airplane trips can bring on preterm labor symptoms in some women. If you notice this happening to you :

* Don't take long trips until after the baby is born.

* Tell your health care provider about the symptoms you had.

* If you must travel, stop at least once each hour to get up and walk around.

Sexual activity

Most pregnant women do not need to restrict their sexual activity unless they experience preterm symptoms during or after sex. If you have cramping, contractions or any other symptoms after sexual activity :

* Don't have sex again until you talk to your health care provider.

* Talk about your symptoms with your partner.

* See if both you and your partner can talk to your provider about your symptoms and what sorts of sexual activity might be all right.

Alcohol and drugs

Using alcohol and/or drugs of any kind can increase your chances of having your baby too early. While you are pregnant do not use alcohol, tobacco, street drugs (crack, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etc.), drugs of any kind, including over-the- counter, except those specifically prescribed for you by your provider.

Illness

Certain infections can cause symptoms of preterm labor. Many times, a woman does not realize she has an infection. For that reason, your health care provider probably will do a special test or culture of the lower part of your womb (cervix) sometime during your pregnancy. Infections in your urinary tract also can cause preterm labor. To avoid the problems caused by infections, take the following precautions:

* Get early and regular prenatal care.

* Drink at least six glasses of water each day.

* If you notice burning or pain when you urinate or feel the need to go to the bathroom all the time, tell your health care provider.

* If your provider gives you medicine for any infection, take it all as directed and check back with your provider to make sure the infection is gone.

-- Injil Abu Bakar