A nurse is evaluating a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

Which of the following fetal factors can contribute to pre-term labor?

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and it increases the risk of preterm labor.It is caused by an imbalance of the normal vaginal flora and can lead to intra-amniotic infection, which can trigger inflammation and uterine contractions.

Choice B. Candidiasis is wrong because it is a fungal infection that does not increase the risk of preterm labor.

It can cause itching, burning, and discharge, but it does not affect the amniotic fluid or the fetus.

Choice C. Gonorrhea is wrong because it is a bacterial infection that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can increase the risk of preterm labor, but it is not as common as bacterial vaginosis.

Gonorrhea can also cause neonatal conjunctivitis if transmitted during delivery.

Choice D. Syphilis is wrong because it is a bacterial infection that can cause congenital syphilis if transmitted during pregnancy, but it does not increase the risk of preterm labor.

Syphilis can cause serious complications such as stillbirth, neonatal death, or neurologic damage.

The client should limit their physical activity and stress as much as possible, as these are risk factors for pre-term labor.

Some additional explanations are:

• Choice A is correct because smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of pre-term labor and birth, as well as other complications for the mother and the baby.

• Choice B is correct because any signs of vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage can indicate a problem with the pregnancy, such as placenta previa or premature rupture of membranes, which can lead to pre-term labor and birth.

The client should report these symptoms to their provider immediately.

• Choice D is correct because drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet can help prevent dehydration and malnutrition, which can also contribute to pre-term labor and birth.The client should also avoid caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and foods that may cause foodborne illness.

Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.Pre-term labor is defined as regular contractions that result in the opening of the cervix before 37 weeks of pregnancy.Pre-term birth is the delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy.