Preterm Labor |
Preterm labor is defined as labor that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy. Babies born earlier than this are at greater risk for health problems. Preterm labor can often be stopped if a woman is aware of the signs and seeks medical care right away.
Some warning signs of preterm labor:
- Uterine contractions - may feel as if your womb is tightening up like a fist or your baby is "balling up"
- Menstrual-like cramps - may come and go or be constant
- Low backache - may come and go or be constant
- Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea
- Pelvic pressure that feels like the baby is pushing down on your vagina
- Change in vaginal discharge such as sudden increase or a discharge that becomes more mucousy, watery or bloody
If you think you may be having preterm labor, call your health care provider and describe your symptoms. Your doctor, midwife or nurse may ask you to:
- Lay down and rest on your left side
- Drink 2-3 large glasses of water or juice
if your symptoms get worse or are not completely gone in one hour, call your health care provider again.
For additional information about preterm labor, visit the March of Dimes.
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