Preterm Labor

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What is preterm labor?
What are the signs and symptoms of preterm labor?
What are the risk factors?
How can I prevent preterm labor?

What is preterm labor?

Preterm Labor occurs when regular contractions result in the opening of your cervix after week 20 and before week 37 of pregnancy. Preterm labor can result in premature birth. The earlier premature birth happens, the greater the health risks for your baby.

What are the signs and symptoms of preterm labor?

In general, Preterm Labor isn’t painful. They don’t feel like the usual “I’m in labor” contractions. Some mothers have described it as period-like cramps, constant low, dull backache or even backache pain. The rhythmic pattern (typically 10-15 minutes apart) causes most mothers to take notice.

What are the risk factors?

Dehydration and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) are the top two causes for preterm labor.

There are various other potential causes such as:

Previous preterm labor or premature birth, particularly in the most recent pregnancy or in more than one previous pregnancy,
infections,
pregnancy with multiples,
smoking cigarettes or using illicit drugs
Problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta
Some chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one
Too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
Presence of a fetal birth defect
An interval of less than six months between pregnancies
Periodontal disease

How can I prevent preterm labor?

In most cases, eating healthy and keeping active is all that the body needs to avoid preterm labor.

Make sure to keep your care provider up to date with any changes in your pregnancy. Let them know if you have any concerns.

If you or baby have any specific or chronic health needs, then seeing a high risk MD or specialist may be appropriate.

San Diego County Midwives have either authored or reviewed and approved the content on this website.

Disclaimer of Medical Advice: All users of this website are responsible for their own medical care, treatment, and oversight. All of the content provided on the website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the providing of medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.