TL;DR
- Preterm labor occurs when the body “prepares” to deliver the baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Some significant signs of preterm labor:
- contractions occurring at a rate higher than 5 per hour
- low backache that is dull in nature
- pelvic pressure
- change in vaginal discharge
- Although causes range from infections to lifestyle factors, early medical intervention, such as steroids for lung development or medications to delay birth, can significantly improve the outcome for your baby.
- If you think you might be in early labor, call your healthcare provider right away.
Preterm Labor: A Common Pregnancy Complication
Pregnancy is the precursor to the journey of your lifetime. It is exciting, scary, stressful, and new all at once, and sometimes it can feel like too much. Along with the joy, pregnancy may bring challenges that expecting parents do not always anticipate. Preparing for different possibilities can help you feel more confident and supported, especially when you walk into your pregnancy center on the fateful day of delivery.
One such consideration is preterm labor. Most pregnancies last around 40 weeks, but in some cases, the body may begin preparing for birth earlier than expected. Understanding what preterm labor looks like and how to manage it can help you approach the final trimester with greater confidence.
What Is Preterm Labor?
A full-term pregnancy typically lasts about 39 to 40 weeks. Preterm labor happens when the body begins the labor process slightly too early, specifically between weeks 20 and 37 of pregnancy. During this time, frequent uterine contractions can cause the cervix to thin or open sooner than it should, increasing the risk of early delivery.
If a baby is born within this time, then this is referred to as a preterm, as these last weeks are very essential for the development of the main body organs, especially the lungs, brain, and liver. However, it’s important to note that with modern medical care, many babies born preterm go on to grow and develop well, especially when they receive the right support early on.
Preterm Labor Symptoms & When to Seek Emergency Care
One of the most difficult things about preterm labor is that many of the symptoms share similarities with the normal discomforts associated with pregnancy.
You must simply remain vigilant and pay attention to the signals your body is sending. Here are some notable symptoms of preterm labor that require immediate medical attention:
1. Persistent Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are normal in the second and third trimesters, but preterm labor manifests with contractions that are regular, becoming more frequent, and staying even if you change positions or drink water.
If you notice your abdominal muscles are contracting more than four to five times in an hour, give your healthcare provider a call.
2. Alterations in Vaginal Secretion
An important warning sign of preterm labor is a change in cervical secretions. The change can take the form of an increase, a decrease, or a change from one type of secretion to another. Here’s what many women tend to notice:
- Watery fluid (Potential leak of amniotic fluid),
- Bloody discharge (also known as a “bloody show”) or
- Mucus-like discharge
3. Pelvic Pressure and Backaches
Women often report the onset of preterm labor as a “pushing down” or heavy sensation in the pelvis.
This is combined with persistent spasms of pain in the lower back that do not abate with rest or massage.
4. Abdominal Discomfort
Cramping sensations or spasms, sometimes with indigestion or diarrhea, can be early warning signs of preterm labor.
When to Seek Urgent Care
You should go to the emergency department or labor and delivery immediately in the following situations:
- Your water breaks (you’ll feel a sudden “gush”)
- Decreased fetal movement
- Bright vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester
- Severe, constant abdominal or pelvic pain that is not rhythmic
What Causes Preterm Labor?
The primary causes of preterm labor are as follows:
- Infections: Urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, or infections of the amniotic membranes are among the most common causes.
- Uterine Overdistension: This occurs when the uterus is overstretched, such as in multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets) or cases of excess amniotic fluid.
- Placental Problems: Conditions such as placental abruption can trigger preterm labor when the placenta separates from the uterine wall.
- Maternal Cervical Insufficiency: In some cases, the cervix may be unable to remain closed under the increasing pressure of pregnancy.
- Stress: Excessive stress may contribute to premature labor due to the release of certain hormones.
Risk Factors to Consider
While preterm labor can happen to anyone, certain factors may increase your statistical likelihood. These are generally categorized into three areas:
| Category | Risk Factors |
| Medical History | Previous preterm birth, multiple miscarriages, or uterine/cervical abnormalities. |
| Current Pregnancy | Carrying multiples, an IVF pregnancy, or a short interval (less than 18 months) between pregnancies. |
| Lifestyle & Health | Smoking, substance use, lack of prenatal care, or being underweight/overweight. |
Prevention and Management of Preterm Labor
While you cannot do much to prevent early labor, you can take several steps to reduce the associated risks:
- Attend All Prenatal Visits: Routine follow-up can help diagnose infections or cervical changes early.
- Hydrate: The uterus may go into spasms from dehydration.
- Control Chronic Illnesses: If you have diabetes or hypertension, ensure that you control them.
Takeaway
Every pregnancy is unique, and recognizing when something does not feel quite right can make a meaningful difference. By understanding the signs of preterm labor, such as changes in contractions, pelvic pressure, or other unusual sensations, you empower yourself to act early and advocate for your baby’s health.
Trust your instincts. If something feels different or concerning, reaching out to your healthcare provider immediately can lead to timely care and better outcomes.
At Almara Women’s Clinic, we understand that pregnancy does not always follow a predictable path. Whether you need reassurance, guidance, or care for complications such as preterm labor, our experienced team is here to support you. With more than 70 years of experience, caring for over 45,000 women and delivering 3,000 babies each year, we are proud to provide compassionate, personalized care as an independent, physician-owned practice centered on women’s needs.
Contact us today or visit one of our Twin Cities locations to learn more about our prenatal care, emergency obstetric services, and specialized support for high-risk pregnancies.
Email: info@helloalmara.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Braxton Hicks and preterm labor?
“Braxton Hicks” contractions are irregular, don’t strengthen, and don’t stop with movement or fluids. In contrast, preterm labor contractions become stronger, regular, and progress over time, regardless of activity.
2. Does stress induce preterm labor?
Yes, stress has been known to trigger the release of certain hormones (such as corticotropin-releasing hormone), which might initiate labor. The management of mental health is a crucial aspect of antenatal care offered in any pregnancy center.
3. What are the most common causes of preterm labor?
Common risk factors for preterm labor include infection, particularly a urinary tract infection or a vaginal infection, carrying twins or triplets, smoking, or a previous premature baby. But often, there’s no known reason why a baby will become a preemie.
4. When is it safe for a baby to be born?
A pregnancy is said to be “full-term” at 37 weeks of gestation. Babies born after 37 weeks are, for the most part, normal, while those born before 37 weeks are said to be “preterm” and may require extra care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
