Recognizing Premature Labor

Pregnancy takes about 40 weeks to complete. Babies born before 37 weeks may have problems breathing, eating and maintaining their body temperature. Premature labor is defined as labor that occurs after the 20 th week of pregnancy. It is a condition in which uterine contractions (tightening of the womb) cause the cervix to open earlier than normal. It could result in the birth of a premature baby. Although certain factors may increase a woman’s chance of having a premature baby, such as carrying twins, the specific cause or causes of premature labor are not known. Many times a woman may have premature labor for no apparent reason. It may be possible to prevent a premature birth by knowing the warning signs of premature labor and by seeking care early if these warning signs should occur.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

• Uterine contractions that happen every 10 minutes or more often with or without any other warning sign.
• Menstrual-like cramps felt in the lower abdomen. These may come and go or be constant.
• Low dull backache felt below the waistline. This may come and go or be constant.
• Pelvic pressure which feels like the baby is pushing down. The pressure comes and goes.
• Abdominal cramping with or without diarrhea.
• Increases or changes in the vaginal discharge, more vaginal discharge than usual or changes into a mucousy, watery or lightly bloody discharge.

Uterine Contractions

It is normal to have some uterine contractions throughout the day. They usually occur when a woman changes position such as from sitting to lying down. It is not normal to have frequent uterine contractions (every 10 minutes or more often for one hour). Frequent uterine contractions or tightenings may cause the cervix to begin to open.

Self-detection of uterine contractions:

Since the onset of premature labor is very subtle and often hard to recognize, it is important to know how to feel your abdomen for uterine contractions. You can feel the contractions by lying down and placing your fingertips on the top of your uterus. A contraction is a periodic tightening or hardening of the uterus. If your uterus is contracting, you will actually feel your abdomen get tight or hard and then feel it relax or soften when the contraction is over.

What you should do:

If you think you are having uterine contractions or any of the other signs or symptoms of premature labor:

1. Drink several glasses of water.
2. Lie down tilted toward your side. Place pillow at your back for support. Sometimes lying down for an hour may slow down or stop the signs or symptoms. Do not lie flat on your back because lying flat on your back may cause the contractions to occur more often. Do not turn completely on your side because you may not be able to feel the contractions.
3. Check for contractions for one hour. To tell how often contractions are occurring, check the minutes that elapse from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.
4. Call the office or answering service if:
1. You have uterine contractions every 10 minutes or more often for one hour (more than five contractions in one hour).
2. You have any of the other signs or symptoms for one hour.
3. You have any spotting or leakage of fluid from your vagina.

Important Things to Remember

• Uterine contractions that happen every 10 minutes or more often for one hour may cause the cervix to open.
• Do not wait for signs or symptoms to disappear. The symptoms may not go away, and waiting to call for help could result in a birth of a premature baby.
• Medication is available to help stop premature labor if it is recognized early!