What common medication may be given to prevent preterm labor?

Tocolytics are a class of medications specifically used to relax the uterus and inhibit contractions, making them effective in the management of preterm labor. Their primary role is to delay labor and give additional time for fetal development, thus reducing the risk of complications associated with premature birth. By stopping or slowing down contractions, tocolytics can help extend gestation and improve outcomes for the newborn.

Antibiotics, while important in treating infections that might contribute to preterm labor, do not directly prevent labor itself. Analgesics are used for pain relief but do not impact uterine contractions or labor progression. Anticoagulants are used to prevent blood clots and may have roles in certain pregnancy complications but are unrelated to the prevention of preterm labor. Therefore, tocolytics stand out as the correct choice for preventing preterm labor specifically.