Premature Labor

Premature labor is labor that begins more than three weeks before your baby is due (before 37 weeks of pregnancy).

Uterine contractions cause the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to open. If labor continues, it may result in the birth of a premature baby.

Some women are more likely to have premature labor than others; for example, women expecting twins or one who has had a premature birth before. However, no one can tell who will go into labor before their due date.

Since it can happen to anyone, it becomes very important to know the signs of pre-term labor so treatment can begin early and baby’s birth be delayed.

Babies who are born too soon may have problems keeping warm, eating and breathing. Premature babies may require care in the NICU.

Warning Signs

Your uterus will contract at times during your pregnancy, and this is normal. It is not normal for these contractions to continue.

If you are having any of these warning signs and you are not yet 37 weeks pregnant, lie down on your side.

Drink one or two glasses of water, as this may help stop contractions. Check for contractions:

• Menstrual-like cramps.
• Low dull backache (this may come and go, or you may feel it all the time).
• Pelvic pressure (you may feel as if the baby is pushing down).
• Tightening of the abdomen or belly, which you may feel from the inside or by placing your hand on your abdomen.
• Vaginal discharge changes (may increase and become thick and mucousy, watery or even bloody).

After resting and taking fluids, if you have five or more contractions in one hour, or if the warning signs do not go away in one hour, call your healthcare provider.

Waiting too long to call for help could result in your baby being born too early. If you are in premature labor, you may be given medication to try to stop it.

Call right away if you have:

• Any fluid from your vagina or continued leaking of fluid that does not stop.
• Any blood from your vagina.
• A sudden increase in vaginal discharge.

Other Symptoms You Should Report

Some other symptoms you need to report to your healthcare provider include:

• Sudden swelling of your face, hands, feet or ankles.
• Sudden unexplained weight gain (more than two pounds in one week).
• Severe or continuous headache.
• Dimness, blurring of vision or spots before your eyes.
• Pain in abdomen.
• Pain or burning when urinating.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Chills and fever.
• Your baby is not moving as much as usual.