Preterm labour, also known as premature labour, starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy and can happen to anyone. A normal pregnancy lasts 37 to 42 weeks. Preterm labour may lead to preterm birth, resulting in your baby being born too soon.
Are you experiencing these symptoms?
Bad cramps or stomach pains that won't go away
A generalized tightening of your uterus
Bleeding or fluid from your vagina or increased vaginal discharge
Your abdomen becomes very hard and contorted (almost pointy)
Lower back pain/pressure or a change in back pain
Irregular and infrequent contractions that last 30 seconds to 2 minutes
A significant change in your baby's movement or the feeling of them pushing down
Contractions subside if you change positions or activity
Contractions, or change in the strength or number of them
Contractions stop after an hour or so
Fever, chills, dizziness, vomiting or bad headache
Contractions are mild and do not increase in severity
Blurry vision or spots before your eyes
Contractions are felt in the front
Sudden or severe swelling of your feet, hands or face
PRETERM LABOUR
Go to the hospital right away! If you are in preterm labour, seeking medical help right away can make a big difference to your baby's health.
BRAXTON-HICKS CONTRACTIONS
You are most likely experiencing this common condition as your body prepares for real labour. These contractions can start as early as your second trimester.