A nurse is caring for a client who is in pre-term labor.

Which of the following maternal complications is most likely to occur due to prolonged bed rest?

“I will call my doctor if I have more than four contractions in an hour.” This statement indicates that the client understands the signs of preterm labor and when to seek medical attention.Preterm labor is defined as having regular contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation.More than four contractions in an hour may indicate that preterm labor is occurring and requires prompt evaluation.

Choice A is wrong because drinking at least eight glasses of water every day is not a specific instruction for preventing preterm labor.However, dehydration can trigger contractions and should be avoided.

Choice B is wrong because lying on the back with a pillow under the knees can reduce blood flow to the uterus and the baby.This position can also increase the risk of blood clots in the legs.A better position is lying on the left side, which improves circulation and reduces pressure on the cervix.

Choice C is wrong because avoiding sexual intercourse until reaching term is not necessary for most women with a history of preterm labor.Sexual activity does not cause preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes (PROM).However, some women may be advised to abstain from sex if they have certain conditions, such as placenta previa or a short cervix.

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity.Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, a substance that lubricates the lungs and prevents them from collapsing when the baby breathes.This reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications in preterm infants.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce inflammation in the uterus.

Choice C is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent infection in the amniotic fluid.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not increase blood flow to the placenta.

Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.

Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation.Antenatal corticosteroids are recommended for women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days, and may be considered for women at 23 weeks of gestation or between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation depending on the clinical scenario.