Preterm Labor is labor that happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Preterm labor can result in your baby being born too soon or too small. If you experience any of the warning signs of preterm labor, call your health care provider right away.
Warning signs:
- Contractions (your abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often
- Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from your vagina)
- Pelvic pressure—the feeling that your baby is pushing down
- Cramps that feel like your period
- Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea
- Low, dull backache
If you have any of these signs, call your prenatal care provider right away. Follow any instructions that your health care provider may give you.
This information is provided by the March of Dimes: www.marchofdimes.com
We’ve gathered resources and general information designed to help you understand aspects of health related to you before, during, and after pregnancy and general information all about baby care.
Pregnancy & Mother Care
Because every pregnancy is different, always talk to your health care provider about what is right for you before, during, and after your pregnancy.
Baby Care
Always talk to your doctors and health care professionals in any emergency situation. When in doubt, call your health care provider.