I strongly agree with Dr. Barbieri’s comments regarding preterm labor. Diagnosed early using transvaginal ultrasonography instead of pelvic assessment, it is possible with the help of bed rest, terbutaline, nifedipine, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, betamethasone, and morphine sedation to tame the cervix and gain several weeks instead of the 2 to 7 days reported. It also is essential to treat group B Streptococcus.
In addition, if the physician decides to start the terbutaline pump, it is important to discontinue intravenous infusion so that the patient does not get too much fluid and develop pulmonary edema.
Ali Toofanian, MD
Dallas