Preterm labor can show different signs as it approaches, and even people who have had previous preterm birth can be taken off-guard by preterm labor, so it’s a good idea to know all of the different ways it could first appear.
Babies who are born prematurely can face challenges that babies who are carried to term might not, but with prompt medical care, most babies who are born preterm grow into happy, healthy children.
Signs of preterm labor include:
- Change in vaginal discharge: This change can either be in type (becoming thicker or thinner, or bloody) or in amount.
- Pelvic aches/pressure: Aches can come and go during pregnancy, but a consistent aching or feeling of pressure in the lower back, lower abdomen, or pelvis can be a sign of early labor.
- Ruptured membranes: These can present as either a trickle or a flood of amniotic fluid. The fluid can be clear, blood-tinged, or green, and may or may not have an odor to it.
- Cramps: Mild abdominal cramps, which are sometimes accompanied by diarrhea, can be a sign of labor, whether they come and go or are constant.
- Contractions: Early contractions can be nothing more than a mild, harmless uterine tightening, so pay attention if that tightening feeling happens regularly or often, or starts to come faster. Five or more contractions in an hour are usually a good indication that labor could be underway.
- Intense lower backache: Some women may notice lower back pain at the beginning of labor.
- Vaginal bleeding: Regardless of the cause, those who notice vaginal bleeding should check in with their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
It may be hard to tell whether or not you are in labor, but it’s a good idea to reach out to your provider if you experience any of the symptoms described above, even if you aren’t certain.
You can read more about the risk factors for preterm birth by tapping here.
You can also read more about preventing preterm birth by tapping here.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- “Signs of preterm labor.” MarchofDimes. March of Dimes Foundation, Jan 2013. Web.
- “Management of Preterm Labor.” AHRQ. AHRQ Publication No. 01-E020 from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Oct 2000. Web.
