Preterm Labor

What is preterm labor?

Preterm labor is labor that starts before you are full term. The normal range for a full term pregnancy is 38 to 42 weeks. Your due date is set at 40 weeks and is based on the date of your last menstrual period. Any labor that happens after 20 weeks and before 37 weeks is considered preterm.

Am I having preterm labor? What are the signs?

Here are the warning signs:

More than four contractions in one hour. Find out more about contractions and what they feel like.
Leaking clear fluid (this could be amniotic fluid) or blood from your vagina.
Heaviness in your pelvis or lower abdomin, feeling like the baby is pushing downwards.
A backache that affects your lower back.
Painful cramps that feel like menstrual cramps.
You feel like you may have a urinary tract infection.
Diarrhea and shaky legs.
Restlessness and the inability to sleep even when you're tired.
You just feel a little "off." This warning sign sounds rather vague (I know!), but if something just doesn't feel right, listen to your body--you do know best.

Click here for a printable version of these warning signs. Put it up on your fridge or near your phone!

I think I'm feeling one of the preterm labor warning signs. What should I do?

Call your doctor right away. Even if you have only one warning sign, it's important that you talk with your doctor. She may ask you to go to her office or the hospital so she can find out what's going on.

I called my doctor but she hasn't called me back yet. What should I do while I'm waiting?

Drink a glass of water (not coffee or soda--caffeine can cause contractions), and then lay down on your left side. Try to relax. Also, if you need to go to the hospital or doctor's office, your partner or a friend should drive you there. Give them a call to let them know they might be needed.

Why are these warning signs important?

If you are less than 37 weeks gestation (not full-term), you should be aware of the preterm labor warning signs. The sooner you identify a possible warning sign, the better. That way, your doctor will have time to act and stop the preterm labor (if that is what it is).

Just what is preterm labor?

Preterm labor is labor that happens between 20 weeks and 37 weeks gestation. Depending upon the gestational age of your baby, this could have serious impacts on her health if she is born prematurely. Click here to find out more about prematurity.

How can my doctor stop preterm labor?

If the doctor discovers that you are having having preterm labor, she will try to stop the labor by giving you tocolytic drugs. Tocolytic drugs include ritodrine, terbutaline, magnesium sulfate, indomethacin, and nifedipine. Click on any drug name to find out more about it.