Signs and Symptoms of Pre-term Labor: What To Do
What is pre-term labor?
Pre-term labor when you go into labor prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. This is too early for a baby to be born. Babies born pre-term can have life-long or life threatening health problems.
Can pre-term labor be stopped?
Yes. Doctors can prescribe medications that delay labor. In some cases labor can be delayed long enough for the mother to get to the hospital with a neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU).
WARNING SIGNS:
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Contractions (abdomen tightens) every 10 minutes or more often
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Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding)
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Pelvic pressure (feeling that the baby is pushing down)
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Low, dull backache
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Cramps that feel like your period
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Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea
What should I do if I think I’m having pre-term labor?
Call your health care provider right away or go to the hospital. Call if you are only having one sign. Your health care provider may ask you to:
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Come to the office or hospital for a checkup
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Lie down on your left side for 1 hour
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Drink 2 to 3 glasses of water
If symptoms get better, rest for the remainder of the day. If symptoms persist, call your health care provider again or go to the hospital.
Click here for an "Expectant Mother's Hospital Checklist"
