Preterm labor is labor that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. If you think that you may have preterm labor, call your doctor right away. The only way to know for sure is to have a cervical exam by internal exam or ultrasound or monitoring for contractions. Sometimes a test called fetal fibronectin can be done between 24 and 35 weeks to predict the likelihood of preterm labor. Preterm labor may lead to preterm birth if not stopped or slowed. The earlier a baby is born, the more likely the baby will have problems.

You may be able to detect preterm labor if you feel firm tightenings in your uterus even if they are not painful. Preterm labor may feel like menstrual cramps, a dull low backache, pressure in your lower pelvis, lower abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea, or firm tightenings in your uterus 5 or more times in an hour. You may see an increase in the amount or change in color of your vaginal secretions. If you suspect that you may be having tightenings or contractions, time how often they occur and call your doctor. Sometimes if you use the restroom to empty your bladder, drink 2 to 3 glasses of water or juice, lie down on your left side for 1 hour and time the contractions again, they will start to subside. If not, call your doctor again. If you ever think your “bag of waters” is leaking, you need to be seen immediately. Also if you are bleeding or if you have a fever or signs of infection, you need to be seen immediately.

Some women are more at risk for preterm labor.

• If you have had preterm labor or a preterm birth in the past, have high blood pressure, chronic illness, infection, abdominal surgery during the pregnancy, or weigh less than 110 pounds, or are very overweight, you are more at risk to have preterm labor.
• If you have a multiple pregnancy, bleeding in the second or third trimester, placenta previa, too much fluid around the baby, or special problems in the pregnancy, you are at more risk for preterm labor.
• If you smoke, drink, or use street drugs or abuse drugs or medications, you are at more risk for preterm labor.
• If you have a defect in your uterus or cervix, have lost a baby in the second trimester previously, are carrying a baby with birth defects, or your water breaks too early, you are at more risk for preterm labor.

Prevention of a preterm birth by stopping or slowing the labor may be necessary to allow the baby to grow and mature. By slowing or stopping preterm labor, you may be able to be transported to a hospital which is equipped to care for your premature baby. Babies born prematurely may have problems right away that require special care and problems later with learning and behavior and problems with breathing, vision, and hearing. Some premature babies do not survive. Preventing preterm birth is so important.

Go to www.marchofdimes.com for more information.