The 6 warning signs of preterm labor are regular and frequent contractions, pelvic or vaginal pressure, abdominal cramping, persistent backache, changes in your vaginal discharge and leaking fluid or even vaginal bleeding.
Preterm labor is when labor occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy and requires immediate medical attention.
The regular or frequent contractions in preterm labor is when the uterus tightens like a fist and it happens 4 to 6 or more times in an hour and does not stop after resting or changing positions.
The vaginal pressure or pelvic pressure in preterm labor is a feeling that the baby is pushing down hard or even a feeling of fullness in your pelvic area.
Abdominal cramping in preterm labor is when you have pain that is similar to that of menstrual cramps or even gas pain, which might or might not be accompanied by diarrhea.
Persistent backache with preterm labor is a dull, low backache that is felt below your waistline that doesn't go away with position changes.
Changes in vaginal discharge in preterm labor, is when you have a noticeable increase in the amount of discharge or a change in type, such as becoming watery, mucus like or tinged with blood.
And leaking fluid or vaginal bleeding in preterm labor results in a continuous trickle, gush of fluid from your vagina or any spotting or bleeding.
Preterm labor contractions can also be confused with Braxton Hicks contractions which have no regular pattern.
For some women there may be no contractions but the waters may break.
This could be an unmistakable large gush of fluid, or a harder to identify 'slow leak' or 'watery vaginal discharge'.
Babies continue to move right up to and during preterm labor.
While the pattern might change (e.g., shifts from sharp kicks to stretching or squirming), any significant decrease or sudden increase in your baby's normal movement is a potential red flag.
Infection and inflammation is the most common identifiable cause of preterm labor, accounting for roughly
30 percent to 40 percent of premature births.
Bacteria from the vagina can travel into the uterus and amniotic sac, triggering the body to release inflammatory chemicals that cause the cervix to open and contractions to begin early.
While infection is the leading specific cause, doctors are often unable to pinpoint the exact reason for preterm labor.
Beyond infections, several primary factors frequently trigger premature labor which include.
Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM): When the amniotic sac ("water") breaks before 37 weeks, it is called PPROM.
This complication frequently initiates premature labor and increases the risk of infection.
Multiple Pregnancies: Carrying twins, triplets, or more puts significant stress on the uterus and is a primary driver of preterm deliveries.
Placental Complications: Conditions like placental abruption (where the placenta separates from the uterus) or placental insufficiency can restrict nutrients and trigger early labor.
Chronic Health Conditions: Underlying maternal health issues like high blood pressure (such as preeclampsia), diabetes, or heart and kidney disease can necessitate medically induced early delivery or cause spontaneous labor.
Cervical Incompetence: A weak or short cervix that opens too early without pain can result in premature birth.