Premature Labor
If you think you’re having preterm labor or if you have any of the warning signs, call your health care provider (doctor, midwife or nurse) or go to the hospital right away. Call even if you have only one warning sign. Prompt attention can prevent preterm labor from progressing to a premature delivery.
For more information on premature labor, visit the March of Dimes website.
Lifestyle Risks
According to the March of Dimes, studies have shown that certain lifestyle factors may put a woman at greater risk of preterm labor. These include:
- Late or no prenatal care
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Using illegal drugs
- High levels of stress
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions during pregnancy also may increase the likelihood that a woman will have preterm labor. They include:
- Urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections and possibly other infections
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Clotting disorders
- Being underweight before pregnancy
- Obesity
Premature Labor Symptoms
It’s important to know the potential warning signs of premature labor (however, you could experience one or more of these symptoms and not be in premature labor):
- Contractions every 10 minutes or more often (they are not necessarily painful, but are generally defined as discomfort below the bust and above the thighs that comes and goes)
- Low, dull backache
- Cramps that feel like your period
- Cramps with or without diarrhea
- Clear, pink or brownish fluid (water) leaking from your vagina
- The feeling that your baby is pushing down
