Signs of Premature Labor

There are some things health providers may be able to do to delay labor and to decrease the risks faced by a baby born preterm if care for premature labor and early delivery is received in time.

Tocolytics are a type of medication that may be used by your health provider to slow contractions. Cervical cerclage is a surgical technique that is sometimes used to stitch the cervix closed to delay delivery.

Corticosteroids can help promote a baby's lung development. If you are at increased risk of delivery in the next one to seven days, your doctor may recommend the use of steroids. Magnesium sulfate may be given to decrease the risk of brain damage if you have a high risk of preterm delivery before 32 weeks.

As described by the March of Dimes, early signs of preterm labor include:

Change in your vaginal discharge (watery, mucus or bloody) or more vaginal discharge than usual
Pressure in your pelvis or lower belly, like your baby is pushing down
Constant low, dull backache
Belly cramps with or without diarrhea
Regular or frequent contractions that make your belly tighten like a fist. The contractions may or may not be painful.
Your water breaks

As recommended by the March of Dimes: "If you have even one sign or symptom of preterm labor, call your health care provider right away. If you have preterm labor, getting help quickly is the best thing you can do."

It is critical that you talk about your risk for preterm birth with your prenatal provider.

Read More About URGENT Maternal Warning Signs that require immediate medical attention HERE.