Preterm Labor
As your pregnancy progresses, you and your family are getting excited—and possibly impatient— to finally meet your baby! However, each additional week in the womb helps your little one develop and prepare for the outside world.
Babies come whenever they’re ready, but if this starts to happens before 37 weeks, or what is considered full term, you may be going into preterm labor.
What causes preterm labor?
Though the reason is often unknown, some causes of preterm labor include:
Hormone changes
Infections
Stretching of the uterus due to multiple babies, large fetus or amniotic fluid issue
Vaginal bleeding
What are risk factors for preterm labor?
Abnormally-shaped uterus
Being African American
Being under 20 years or over 35 years of age
Birth defects
Having a preterm birth in the past
Illness, such as heart or kidney disease
Incompetent cervix, or cervix not being able to stay closed
Multiples
Placental problems
Problems with fetal growth
Smoking or drug use
Stress
What are signs of preterm labor?
Preterm labor is labor that happens before 37 weeks and can include:
Backache
Change in the type or amount of vaginal discharge
Contractions, especially more than four in an hour
Diarrhea
Gush of fluid from the vagina
Menstrual-like cramps
Pressure in the lower belly
If you have any symptoms of preterm labor or are unsure whether you are in labor, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
How is preterm labor treated?
Depending on what may be causing your preterm labor, your doctor or midwife may prescribe or recommend:
Antibiotics for infections
Bed rest at home or in the hospital
Cervical cerclage (stitching the cervix closed)
Corticosteroids to help mature your baby’s lungs
Delivery, if necessary
Tocolytic medicines, which help slow or stop contractions
What are complications of preterm labor?
Babies born before 37 weeks are considered premature and have an increased risk for complications, such as breathing problems, digestive problems and infections.
Pre-register for Labor and Delivery
After months of waiting, your moment is finally here! When you get to the hospital to deliver your baby, the last thing you want to worry about is paperwork.
Make your hospital check-in a hassle-free experience with online pre-registration. Fill out your information below and we’ll see you—and your baby—soon!