Question 1

What is Preterm delivery?

Accepted Answer

Preterm delivery is birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy, affecting approximately 10% of pregnancies. It is caused by infections like Trichomonas vaginalis, cervical insufficiency, inflammation, and placental complications that trigger early labor. The Trichomonas vaginalis RNA Qualitative TMA test is the most important test for detecting treatable infections that significantly increase preterm delivery risk.

Question 2

What causes preterm delivery?

Accepted Answer

Preterm delivery is caused by infections such as Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections that trigger inflammation in the reproductive tract. Additional causes include cervical insufficiency where the cervix opens too early, placental problems like placenta previa or abruption, chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and lifestyle factors including smoking and drug use. Multiple pregnancies with twins or triplets also significantly increase the risk of early labor.

Question 3

What is the best test for preterm delivery?

Accepted Answer

The Trichomonas vaginalis RNA Qualitative TMA test is the most important test for preterm delivery prevention because it detects Trichomonas vaginalis, a common sexually transmitted infection that significantly increases early labor risk through inflammation and reproductive tract changes. This highly sensitive RNA test identifies the infection even when symptoms are absent, allowing for immediate antibiotic treatment during pregnancy. Additional screening tests like cervical length ultrasound, fetal fibronectin testing, and cultures for Group B Streptococcus and bacterial vaginosis help create a comprehensive risk assessment and prevention strategy.

Question 4

When should I get tested for preterm delivery?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have had a previous preterm birth, are experiencing unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic discomfort, have a history of cervical procedures or surgery, are pregnant with multiples, or notice symptoms like regular contractions before 37 weeks. Testing is especially important during the second trimester between 16-24 weeks when intervention can be most effective. If you have risk factors like chronic health conditions, a short cervix detected on ultrasound, or a sexually transmitted infection history, discuss early screening with your healthcare provider.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of preterm delivery?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of preterm delivery include regular or frequent contractions that cause your belly to tighten every 10 minutes or more, constant low backache or pelvic pressure, menstrual-like cramps in the lower abdomen, and fluid leaking from your vagina. You might notice increased vaginal discharge that is watery, mucus-like, or blood-tinged, along with a feeling that your baby is pushing down. Some women experience abdominal cramping with or without diarrhea, or simply a persistent feeling that something is not right with their pregnancy.

Question 6

Who is at risk for preterm delivery?

Accepted Answer

Women at highest risk include those who have had a previous preterm birth, are pregnant with twins or triplets, or have a short cervix detected on ultrasound. Risk increases with cervical or uterine abnormalities, untreated infections like Trichomonas vaginalis or bacterial vaginosis, chronic health conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure, and being underweight or overweight before pregnancy. African American women face elevated risk, as do those under 17 or over 35 years old, women with high stress levels, those who smoke or use drugs, and anyone with a history of multiple abortions or miscarriages.

Question 7

What happens if preterm delivery is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated preterm delivery leads to babies being born with underdeveloped organs, particularly the lungs, brain, and digestive system. Premature infants face serious complications including respiratory distress syndrome, brain hemorrhages, vision and hearing problems, and feeding difficulties that require extended NICU stays. Long-term consequences include cerebral palsy, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and chronic health conditions like asthma. The earlier the delivery, the greater the risk of infant death or lifelong disabilities, with babies born before 28 weeks facing the most critical outcomes.

Question 8

Can preterm delivery be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot directly predict preterm delivery, but they identify treatable risk factors that increase early labor chances. The Trichomonas vaginalis RNA test detects sexually transmitted infections that cause inflammation leading to premature labor. Healthcare providers use blood tests to check for anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, and immune system issues that contribute to preterm delivery risk. Combined with cervical length ultrasounds and fetal fibronectin testing, blood work helps create a comprehensive risk profile that guides prevention strategies like progesterone supplementation or cervical cerclage procedures.

Question 9

How is preterm delivery treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment focuses on delaying delivery and preparing the baby for early birth. Tocolytic medications temporarily stop contractions, giving time for corticosteroid injections that rapidly mature the baby's lungs, reducing respiratory complications. Magnesium sulfate protects the baby's developing brain from neurological damage. If infections like Trichomonas vaginalis are detected, immediate antibiotic treatment eliminates the inflammatory trigger. Women with a short cervix may receive progesterone supplementation or a cervical cerclage, a stitch that holds the cervix closed. Strict bed rest, hospitalization for monitoring, and avoiding physical activity help prevent further labor progression.

Question 10

How can I prevent preterm delivery?

Accepted Answer

Prevention starts with regular prenatal care beginning in the first trimester to identify and treat risk factors early. Get tested and treated for infections like Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections that trigger inflammation. Maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet rich in folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs completely. If you have had a previous preterm birth, discuss progesterone supplementation with your healthcare provider. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure carefully, reduce stress through adequate rest, and space pregnancies at least 18 months apart.

Question 11

What can I do at home for preterm delivery?

Accepted Answer

At home, stay well-hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily, as dehydration can trigger contractions. Rest frequently in a left-side lying position to improve blood flow to the uterus and reduce pressure on the cervix. Monitor your body for warning signs like regular contractions, pelvic pressure, or unusual discharge, and contact your healthcare provider immediately if these occur. Reduce physical activity and avoid heavy lifting, sexual intercourse if advised, and standing for long periods. Practice stress-reduction techniques like gentle prenatal yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, and ensure you get adequate sleep every night.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Preterm Delivery Blood Work

What is Preterm delivery?

What causes preterm delivery?

What is the best test for preterm delivery?

When should I get tested for preterm delivery?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask Me Anything