If there are signs of preterm labor such as contractions, bleeding or rupture of the membranes, it is important to act quickly. Inform your doctor or midwife immediately or contact us directly in the delivery room on +41 44 55 53 15. They can assess the situation and recommend further steps.
Delaying premature birth - every day counts
If there are signs of a premature birth, our aim is to maintain the pregnancy for as long as possible. Because every day in the womb promotes the baby’s development. Our experienced team relies on individually tailored measures:
- Rest and protection: Sometimes it helps to take it easy and minimize stress. In some cases, however, an inpatient stay with close monitoring is necessary
- Drug therapy: So-called tocolytics (labor inhibitors) can be used to inhibit contractions and thus gain valuable time.
- Cerclage: If the cervix is shortened, a cerclage (cervical seal) can be placed up to 23 weeks’ gestation in order to stabilize the pregnancy.
Contraceptive drugs usually only delay the birth by a few days – but we use this time specifically to prepare your baby for the world in the best possible way:
- Lung maturation induction: You will receive two doses of cortisone intravenously (antenatal steroid administration). This promotes your baby’s lung maturity and reduces the risk of serious complications in the child.
- Antibiotics: If there is a risk of infection, we protect mother and child with targeted antibiotic therapy.
Inducing or allowing premature birth - decided individually
Sometimes it is medically necessary to induce or allow the birth. The birth can take place naturally or by caesarean section, depending on the medical situation. In the event of complications or emergencies, a caesarean section can be performed within a very short time. Our specialists will weigh up all the options with you and guide you safely through the birth.
Early involvement of neonatology
If a premature birth is imminent, the neonatology specialists are involved at an early stage. This enables targeted preparation of mother and child for the premature birth and seamless care directly after the birth. The parents-to-be are also prepared as well as possible for the premature birth and its consequences. If you wish, you can visit the neonatal unit in advance to familiarize yourself with the situation.
Aftercare and closeness - your premature baby in the best hands
Immediately after birth, the neonatology team takes over the initial medical care of the premature baby. Premature babies often need support with breathing, temperature regulation and feeding. In our state-of-the-art neonatology department, premature babies are placed in an incubator if necessary, where they can also receive respiratory support and artificial feeding. As the neonatology department is directly adjacent to the maternity ward, you can visit and accompany your baby at any time. We also involve you as parents in the care of your premature baby as early as possible. This promotes bonding and supports the child’s development.
For premature babies from 34+0 weeks’ gestation, we also offer joint postnatal care under certain conditions. Our team of nurses, doctors, breastfeeding counselors and psychologists will provide you with comprehensive support during this special phase of life.
One of the leading perinatal centers in Switzerland
In 2023, 170 children with a birth weight of less than 1500 g were born alive at the USZ, including 75 children with a gestational age of less than 28 weeks. This makes the USZ one of the largest perinatal centers in Switzerland, with extensive experience in the care of even extremely small premature babies.
