Preterm prevention clinic

Preterm birth clinic

Our preterm birth prevention clinic offers extra care in your pregnancy because of this risk.

They run twice a week:

There are a number of reasons why you may be at higher risk, including if you have experienced any of the following:

• You have previously had a baby born before 34 weeks gestation.
• Your waters have previously broken before 34 weeks in your pregnancy (PPROM, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes).
• You have previously had surgery on your cervix.
• Your womb is a different shape than expected.
• You have previously experienced a late miscarriage between 16 and 24 weeks gestation.
• You previously had a caesarean section birth when your cervix was fully dilated.

What will happen when I visit the clinic?

You will see a doctor who will discuss your risks for preterm birth, including information regarding your current and previous pregnancies.

You may be offered a transvaginal ultrasound scan to measure the length of your cervix. This scan involves a probe being inserted into the vagina and requires an empty bladder. It is perfectly safe for your baby and the pregnancy.

When to seek advice?

If you are worried about any signs or symptoms, you should contact your midwife or hospital immediately.

Here are some possible signs of premature labour that you can look out for:

• Regular contractions or tightenings.
• Period-type pains.
• A “show” – when the plug of mucus that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy comes away and out of the vagina.
• A gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina – this could be your waters breaking early (PPROM).
• Backache that’s not usual for you.

Tell your midwife or hospital staff immediately if:

• You are bleeding.
• Your baby is moving less than usual.
• Your waters have broken and they are smelly or coloured.

If you think you may be in labour, do not wait for your next appointment in the preterm birth prevention clinic.

You should call the Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC). This is a 24 hour line:

Should I still attend my antenatal appointments?

Yes, you should attend all other planned antenatal appointments as well as visiting us.

Lifestyle modifications

Many of the risks for preterm birth cannot be changed, however there are some lifestyle changes that can be made where possible.

Smoking has been linked with preterm birth, and therefore stopping smoking is a positive step that can be taken to reduce the risk of your baby being born prematurely. There are many other benefits for your baby in addition to this. You can speak with your midwife or with the doctor at the preterm birth prevention clinic for advice and information regarding giving up smoking.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy has been linked with premature birth. Drinking no alcohol at all is safest.

Tooth decay and gum disease has been associated with preterm birth, and therefore it is a good idea to see your dentist, especially if you think you may have tooth decay or toothache. You can organise free NHS dental care with your maternity exemption card.

Research

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research. We aim to understand why some babies are born early and how to prevent it. When you visit the preterm prevention clinic, you may be asked to join one of these research studies, but you do not have to participate in a study if you do not wish to.

Any questions?

If you wish to rearrange this appointment, you can either do this through Patient Hub or by calling: