Must hospitalization be required for suppressing uterine contractions to preserve the pregnancy?

In general, whether hospitalization is required for maintaining pregnancy by suppressing uterine contractions depends on the condition of the contractions and gestational age. When contractions are mild, gestational age is stable, and there are no other risk factors, home-based fetal preservation may be possible under a doctor's guidance. However, hospitalization is necessary when contractions are frequent, gestational age is small, or other abnormalities are present. The details are as follows:

If uterine contractions occur infrequently, are brief and irregular, and gestational age exceeds 34 weeks with a mature fetus, and if the pregnant woman has no discomfort such as abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, fetal preservation at home may be allowed after medical evaluation. During this period, strict bed rest is required, physical activity should be avoided, medications to suppress contractions must be taken as prescribed, and regular follow-up visits should be completed.

If contractions are frequent and regular, or if gestational age is less than 34 weeks with immature fetal organs such as the lungs, or if symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or worsening abdominal pain occur, hospitalization is mandatory. In the hospital, strong intravenous medications can be administered to effectively suppress contractions, while close monitoring of indicators such as fetal heart rate and contraction frequency allows timely response to emergencies and reduces the risk of preterm birth.

During fetal preservation, emotional stability should be maintained, anxiety and stress avoided, diet should be light and easily digestible, and nutritional balance ensured. Medications must be strictly taken as prescribed—dosages should not be adjusted or discontinued without medical advice—and factors that may trigger contractions should be minimized.