Symptoms of Preterm Labor
LEARN THE PRETERM LABOR SYMPTOMS. STAY PREGNANT.
If you are less then 37 weeks along, call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of preterm labor:
- Four or more contractions in one hour either with or without pain; cramping that may feel like menstrual cramps
- Vaginal or rectal pressure; a feeling like the baby could just “fall out”
- Increased discharge; loss of the mucus plug
- Lower backache that may persist, or come and go
- Bleeding of any sort or amount
- Leaking fluid; a gush of fluid
- Increased bowel movements or diarrhea
- A decrease in the baby's activity; fewer kicks
- A sense that something just isn't right
Preterm labor symptoms are easy to mistake for the normal discomforts of pregnancy. Learn the difference here.
The percentage of births delivered before 37 weeks of gestation has risen 20 percent since 1990.
Low birth weight and preterm birth are leading causes of infant mortality.
Source: March of Dimes
Mortality rates for infants born even a few weeks early, or "late preterm" (between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation) were three times those for full-term infants.
Babies born preterm are more than twice as likely to have major birth defects as full-term infants.
There is hope. Between 30 and 50 percent of women who experience preterm labor will ultimately deliver their babies at term.
Source: Edmund F. Funai, MD, Yale University School of Medicine, on www.uptodate.com
You're Not Alone
YOUR STORY IS EMPOWERING
Share Your Story With Moms Like You!
Contributing to this community gives you the support of mothers everywhere just like you. Together, we can help reduce and prevent preterm birth.
Newswire
2.15.10
2D Ultrasound Measurement of the Fetal Adrenal Gland Can Predict Risk of Preterm Birth
2.9.10
Universal Screening for Short Cervix by Ultrasound Can Reduce Preterm Births
2.8.10
New Research Shows Genetic Link to Preterm Labor Risk
12.15.09
Study Shows Common Antibiotic Not Effective In Preventing Preterm Labor
Featured Reads
by Glade B. Curtis and Judith Schuler
When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads
by Barbara Luke and Tamara Eberlein
Vist Our Forum
Get day-to-day support from other women like you, who may be experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or who have been put on bed rest.
Learn More
What’s Your Story?
Share your preterm labor experiences and your tips on how to stay sane during bed rest.
