Symptoms of Preterm Labor
Labor is considered preterm if it occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The symptoms of preterm labor can be hard to evaluate. It is important to know what is "normal" for you. The only way to know if you are truly in preterm labor is to monitor your contractions and measure changes in your cervix.
Symptoms
- Contractions or uterine tightening (may be painless) that occurs more than four times an hour or every 15 minutes for two hours.
- Contractions as specified by your care provider Menstrual-like cramping, pelvic pressure or low abdominal pressure that comes and goes in a regular pattern or is constant.
- Constant low, dull backache Increased vaginal discharge, leaking fluid or bleeding (Note the color and odor of any fluid, and wear a pad.
- If you think your bag of water has broken, you must come to the hospital even if you are not having contractions).
- Decreased activity of your baby (It is important to know how much activity is "normal" for your baby)
- Something seems wrong, even if you don't know what it is.
Precautions
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, please do the following:
- Check to see if you missed a dose of any medication prescribed for you.
- Empty your bladder.
- Drink at least 16 ounces of water or juice.
- Rest, lying on your side with your feet up.
- Place both hands on your uterus.
- With your palms and fingertips, feel for tightening.
- Record the number of contractions you have in one hour.
Call your care provider or Blue Skies Center for Women if you have concerns or if symptoms continue after you have followed these precautions and rested for one hour. If you have a history of preterm labor or short, fast labors and you experience and of the symptoms listed above, we want to hear from you right away. Please call your care provider immediately.