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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a potential complication of preterm labor that affects the intestines of premature infants.NEC can cause inflammation, infection and tissue death in the bowel, leading to serious problems such as perforation, sepsis and shock.NEC usually occurs within the first two weeks of life and requires immediate medical attention.

Hypothermia due to low fat stores is not a complication of preterm labor, but a common condition of premature infants who have difficulty maintaining their body temperature due to their immature skin and lack of subcutaneous fat.

Increased amniotic fluid production is not a complication of preterm labor, but a condition called polyhydramnios that may occur in pregnancies with multiple fetuses, diabetes, fetal anomalies or infections.Polyhydramnios can increase the risk of preterm labor, but it is not a consequence of it.

Drinking plenty of fluids is important for pregnant women to prevent dehydration, which can also trigger preterm labor.

The nurse should encourage the client to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

Taking prenatal vitamins is beneficial for pregnant women and their babies.Prenatal vitamins provide essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D that support fetal growth and development.

The nurse should instruct the client to take prenatal vitamins as prescribed by their health care provider.

Reporting decrease in fetal movement is a sign of possible fetal distress or complications.The nurse should advise the client to monitor their baby’s movements and call their health care provider if they notice any changes or concerns.

Strenuous exercise can increase the risk of preterm labor by causing dehydration, uterine irritability, or cervical changes.Women at risk for preterm labor should avoid vigorous physical activity and limit moderate exercise to 30 minutes per day.

Caffeine can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce blood flow to the placenta, which can lead to preterm labor or fetal growth restriction.Women at risk for preterm labor should limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day.

Participating in support groups may not have a direct effect on preventing preterm labor, although it may help reduce stress and anxiety, which are potential risk factors for preterm birth.Women at risk for preterm labor should seek emotional and social support from their health care providers, family, friends, or community resources.

Engaging in sexual intercourse can stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of preterm labor.

Women who have experienced preterm labor should avoid sexual activity until they reach term.

Breastfeeding a preterm infant can provide many benefits, such as reducing the risk of infection, enhancing bonding, and improving neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Women who have preterm infants should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed or express breast milk for their babies.

Ignoring signs or symptoms of preterm labor can lead to delayed treatment and increased complications for both mother and baby.Women who have experienced preterm labor should be educated about the warning signs of preterm labor, such as regular contractions, pelvic pressure, vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, or low back pain, and instructed to call their healthcare provider or go to the hospital if they occur.

Increased fetal movement is not a sign of preterm labor.

Fetal movement may vary throughout pregnancy and does not indicate labor.

Urinary frequency is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.

It is caused by the pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder and does not indicate labor.

Decreased vaginal discharge is not a sign of preterm labor.

In fact, some women may notice an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in its color or consistency as a sign of labor.This is called the mucus plug or bloody show and it means that the cervix is dilating and preparing for delivery.