A plan for a patient at 34 weeks with premature labor includes which nonpharmacologic intervention to help halt labor?

A plan for a patient at 34 weeks with premature labor includes which nonpharmacologic intervention to help halt labor?

• A. Rest in bed with limited activity.
• B. Promoting adequate hydration.
• C. Start progressive ambulation.
• D. Administer sedatives.

Answer: (B)

Dehydration increases uterine irritability, so addressing volume status with fluids can reduce contractile activity and help halt labor. Providing adequate hydration—by oral or IV fluids—directly targets a reversible trigger of preterm contractions and is a safe, nonpharmacologic strategy to attempt before considering medications. Rest in bed was used historically, but its effectiveness is not reliably proven; starting progressive ambulation would likely worsen contractions, and sedatives don’t treat the underlying cause. If contractions persist after hydration, other interventions may be needed, but hydration is the best first nonpharmacologic step to try at this stage.

Dehydration increases uterine irritability, so addressing volume status with fluids can reduce contractile activity and help halt labor. Providing adequate hydration—by oral or IV fluids—directly targets a reversible trigger of preterm contractions and is a safe, nonpharmacologic strategy to attempt before considering medications. Rest in bed was used historically, but its effectiveness is not reliably proven; starting progressive ambulation would likely worsen contractions, and sedatives don’t treat the underlying cause. If contractions persist after hydration, other interventions may be needed, but hydration is the best first nonpharmacologic step to try at this stage.