Patient's question:
Currently 32 weeks pregnant, I went for a prenatal checkup yesterday. The ultrasound showed the umbilical cord was wrapped around the neck once, the fetal position was LOA (Left Occiput Anterior), the placenta was located on the posterior wall of the uterus, the placental maturity was Grade 1, the thickness was 31mm, and the heart rate was 145 beats per minute. The fetal heart monitoring showed uterine contractions in both sessions. The doctor mentioned there were signs of preterm labor and prescribed Bao Tai Ling capsules for me. The baby is very active, and I also feel my abdomen getting hard and tight many times. I’m wondering if these contractions are affecting things now, and if it’s really possible to have a preterm birth? How many weeks does a fetus need to be considered full term? Then, on the 31st of this month, I plan to take a high-speed train back to my hometown for the New Year’s holiday. I’m not sure if it will affect things. Another question is that a friend of mine was at a similar stage in her pregnancy when her placental maturity was already Grade 2, and now mine is still Grade 1—is that a problem?Doctor's answer:
I would be happy to help you clarify. You are currently in the late first trimester of pregnancy, and it is normal to have false contractions. They will stop after resting. Of course, if the abdominal pain is frequent and regular, it may indicate preterm labor. False contractions will never lead to preterm labor. The fetus is at 37 weeks or more, which is full term, and the placenta is also at grade I, which is normal. It is recommended that if you do not have regular contractions and the high-speed train ride is not long, it is acceptable. However, if you have frequent abdominal pain, it is still recommended not to travel. Weekly fetal monitoring can help understand the condition of the contractions and the fetus. I hope the advice is rejected.