Going into labor early can be traumatic for many women. Babies born before 37 weeks are often born tiny (under 5.5 pounds) and can have medical complications that lead to days or weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. For women who have already gone through such a harrowing experience, getting pregnant again can be nerve-wracking. Beyond all the normal stress of pregnancy, you might also be worried that this new baby will be born prematurely, too.

If you’re pregnant again after having a preemie, your doctor or midwife can help you better understand what your risks are and what you can do. Here are some questions you should ask them at your first prenatal visit.

SHOULD I SEE A SPECIALIST?

There are maternal-fetal medicine specialists who are specifically trained to care for moms who are at an increased risk of complications like going into labor too early. If you see a midwife or general practitioner for your prenatal care, they may recommend you see a specialist instead during your pregnancy.

WHAT CAN I DO TO LOWER MY RISK OF GOING INTO LABOR TOO EARLY?

Sometimes women go into labor early no matter what they do. You can do everything right and still end up delivering prior to 37 weeks. We don’t always understand why someone went into preterm labor, but there are things that can you can do to reduce your chances of it happening again.

Quitting smoking or getting an unrelated health condition under control can help put your body in the best possible position for a healthy, full-term pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about what risks you have the power to manage, and what you can do right now and throughout your pregnancy to lower your chances of a premature birth.

AM I AT RISK FOR PREECLAMPSIA? IF SO, WHAT SHOULD I DO TO HELP PREVENT IT?

Preeclampsia (marked by unusually high blood pressure) is a common cause of preterm labor, but it can be prevented and managed through effective treatment. Ask your health care provider whether you’re at risk for preeclampsia, and if you are, what you can do to lower your chances of developing it.

HOW MUCH WEIGHT SHOULD I GAIN DURING THIS PREGNANCY?

Gaining too much or too little weight during pregnancy can cause complications during delivery. Talk to your doctor about what healthy weight gain would look like for you, as well as what exercises or foods you should avoid.

HOW CAN I MANAGE MY STRESS DURING PREGNANCY?

Stress during pregnancy can increase your risk of serious issues, including going into labor prematurely. But it can often be managed effectively through breathing exercises and regular physical activity, like pregnancy yoga. Talk to your doctor or midwife about strategies you can use during pregnancy to reduce or manage stress, including what exercises might be safe for you to do and how frequently.

WHAT SIGNS OF PRETERM LABOR SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?

Knowing the signs of premature labor won’t prevent you from going into it, but it can help you spot it as soon as possible so you can get help right away. Find out more about what specific things to look for — like belly cramps and bloody vaginal discharge — and what to do if you experience them at any point during your pregnancy.

WHERE CAN I GET HELP TO QUIT SMOKING/DRINKING/DRUGS?

Using substances like tobacco, alcohol, or drugs (including misusing prescription painkillers) can put you and your baby’s lives at risk. Orange County has a number of treatment and cessation programs available, like Tobacco Free Florida, that are often free or covered by health insurance, including Medicaid. Talk to your doctor about what programs might be available for pregnant women, or if there are any medications that can help you quit — such as nicotine replacement therapy like gum or patches — that are safe during pregnancy.