Fetal health and preterm labor

A doctor or nurse-midwife must consider many factors when deciding how to treat preterm labor. Treatment to slow or stop labor may not be used, or may be stopped, if a fetus:

• Has an abnormal heart rate or shows other signs of not tolerating labor. In such a case, a cesarean section (C-section) delivery is sometimes necessary to prevent fetal harm.
• Is small for its age, may be undernourished, or both.
• Has been affected by tocolytic medication used to stop labor.
• Has died before birth.

If results from an amniocentesis have shown that the fetus's lungs are mature, a mother in preterm labor may be allowed to deliver without delay.