Premature labor, also known as preterm labor, occurs when your body begins preparing for birth too early in your pregnancy. If labor starts more than three weeks before your due date, it is considered premature. While premature labor can lead to an early birth, doctors can often take steps to delay delivery, giving your baby more time to develop and reducing the risk of complications.
Several factors can increase your risk of experiencing premature labor, including:
Smoking
Being significantly overweight or underweight before pregnancy
Being younger than 18 or older than 40
Inadequate prenatal care
Consuming alcohol or using illicit drugs during pregnancy
Having certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or infections
Carrying a baby with certain birth defects
Conceiving through in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Being pregnant with twins or multiples
Having a family or personal history of premature labor
Becoming pregnant too soon after giving birth
To prevent premature birth, it is crucial to recognize the warning signs of early labor. Contact your midwife or doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Persistent lower back pain that doesn't improve with changes in position or comfort measures
Contractions occurring every 10 minutes or more frequently, increasing in intensity and frequency
Cramping in the lower abdomen, similar to menstrual cramps, which may be accompanied by diarrhea
Fluid leaking from the vagina
Flu-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (even mild cases warrant a call to your doctor)
Increased pressure in the pelvis or vagina
Increased vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding, including light spotting
Some of these symptoms may be difficult to distinguish from normal pregnancy discomforts, but it is always best to err on the side of caution and have any potential warning signs evaluated by a medical professional.
Checking for contractions is an essential aspect of identifying early labor. To do so:
Place your fingertips on your abdomen.
If you feel your uterus tightening and softening, you are experiencing a contraction.
Time your contractions by noting the start time of each one.
Try to stop the contractions by getting off your feet, changing positions, relaxing, and drinking water.
Call your doctor or midwife if contractions persist every 10 minutes or more, symptoms worsen, or you have severe, unrelenting pain.
Keep in mind that many women experience harmless Braxton Hicks contractions, which are usually irregular, do not increase in frequency, and subside with movement or rest. If you are unsure about the type of contractions you are experiencing, seek medical advice.
If your healthcare provider suspects you are in premature labor, you will likely be admitted to the hospital. Upon arrival, medical staff will:
Review your medical history and medications
Monitor your vital signs and your baby's heart rate and contractions
Test for fetal fibronectin to assess the risk of early delivery
Check for infections in your urine or cervix
Examine your cervix for dilation
If premature labor is confirmed, treatment may include IV fluids, medications to relax the uterus and stop labor, antibiotics, and medications to accelerate your baby's lung development. In some cases, such as when labor cannot be stopped or in the presence of certain complications, early delivery may be necessary.
While it may not always be possible to prevent preterm labor and birth, there are steps you can take to promote a healthy pregnancy:
Strive to be in the best possible health before conceiving
Attend regular prenatal care appointments
Reduce stress by setting aside quiet time and asking for help when needed
Maintain good oral hygiene, as gum disease has been linked to preterm birth
Quit smoking
Follow your doctor's recommendations for managing risk factors and taking precautions
In some cases, progesterone treatment may be recommended to prevent preterm birth in women with a short cervix or a history of preterm delivery.
Approximately 1 in 10 babies born in the United States are premature. While most preemies catch up to their full-term peers over time, they may face challenges such as slower growth and development, as well as a higher risk of long-term health issues and learning difficulties. The earlier a baby is born, the more likely they are to experience complications.
Preterm babies may require specialized care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and close monitoring once home. Parents should watch for signs of feeding difficulties, breathing problems, jaundice, and infections, and seek prompt medical attention when necessary. With proper care and support, many premature babies go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
For more information on premature labor and caring for a preterm baby, consult the following resources:
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