Pregnancy & Childbirth Complications: Pre-term (Premature) labor

The Pregnancy HelpDesk

Pre-term (Premature) Labor:

| Main Menu | Childbirth Information | Complications |

Pre-term (Premature) labor is childbirth that begins before the baby is ready. This type of labor occurs between the 20^th and 37^th week of pregnancy. If you begin to have signs of premature labor before the 20^th week it is termed a miscarriage. If you begin to have signs of labor after the 37^th week it is termed a full-term labor.

Signs of Premature labor:

Cramping (menstrual like) with/without diarrhea

Lower backache

Discharge (watery/pinkish/brownish)

Passing Gelatin like material (mucus plug)

Trickle or Gush of amniotic fluid (Rupture of Membranes)

**If you have any of the signs above, please call your doctor.**

The doctor may be able to stop early labor with Tocolytic (a medication that relaxes the uterus and prevents contractions).

The doctor may also have you do the following:

Stop physical activities (including intercourse)

Bed rest

If the doctor believes labor is a likely possibility, they may give you corticosteroids to speed the development of the baby just in case labor begins.

Things that may cause Pre-term (premature) Labor:

Drinking alcohol

Smoking cigarettes

Recreational type drugs (i.e. marijuana)

Not eating right

Not gaining enough weight (at least 20-25 pounds)

Under the age of 17 (body is still growing)

Over the age of 35 (body needs extra nutritional needs)

Pregnant with Multiples (i.e. twins) often times delivers 3 weeks earlier

Standing a lot

Incompetent Cervix (cervix fails to stay closed)

Placenta Previa (May have to have complete bed rest)

High levels of stress

Holding off urinating (always go to the bathroom when needed)

History of premature labor

Sexual Intercourse (may cause some women to have contractions)

Related Topics:

Placenta Previa	Incompetent Cervix
Alcohol during pregnancy	Pregnancy and multiples
Nutrition

| Main Menu | Childbirth Information | Complications |