Final answer:
Treatment for a woman presenting with concerns of preterm labor should prioritize stabilizing the patient and preventing complications related to PPROM. This may involve steroids, antibiotics, and if necessary, Pitocin to induce or augment labor. True labor involves regular contractions and cervical dilation, which are key indicators of labor progression.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a woman presents to the ER concerned about preterm labor, medical professionals should initiate treatment to stabilize the patient and prevent complications, even before imaging or lab results are available. This primary focus is to manage potential risks associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), which can lead to labor within 48 hours of membrane rupture. Initially, the administration of steroids to promote fetal lung maturity and antibiotics to prevent infection is common. Additionally, monitoring contractions and assessing whether the mucus plug has been expelled or if there's a bloody show can provide clues about the progression toward true labor. If the mucus plug is intact and the cervix is not dilating, this suggests that the patient may not yet be in true labor, which is characterized by regular contractions that do not abate with hydration or rest, and become more frequent and powerful over time.
If labor is confirmed and it is not progressing, then the administration of synthetic oxytocin, known as Pitocin, may be considered to induce or augment labor. During the first stage of labor, the cervix thins and dilates to about 10 cm to allow for the baby and placenta to be expelled during birth. Close observation and appropriate interventions are essential to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.