This Seems a Little Soon: Recognizing Signs of Preterm Labor

But the due date isn't for another month…

The months leading up to your baby's arrival are filled with equal parts excitement and anxiety. You're eagerly anticipating that moment you'll finally get to meet your little one…but in the back of your mind, you might be worrying about the risks and complications that can arise during pregnancy. Or you might not be thinking about it at all, because you have a million other things on your mind, or you don't really know about the possible risks and complications. That's okay too.

One of the most common concerns is preterm labor, which occurs when someone goes into labor 37 weeks before pregnancy. About 1 in 10 babies in the U.S. are born prematurely. This can be a scary and stressful experience but knowing the signs and symptoms can help you recognize when it's time to call your healthcare provider.

What are the signs of preterm labor?

Preterm labor can happen quickly, so it's important to be aware of the possible warning signs. But here's the thing: these signs can be tricky to spot because they can be like normal pregnancy symptoms. Here are some common signs of preterm labor to watch out for:

• Contractions: Regular contractions that occur every 10 minutes or more frequently
• Menstrual-like cramps: Constant or intermittent cramping in the lower abdomen or back
• Pelvic pressure: A feeling of increased pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen
• Vaginal bleeding: Light spotting or heavy bleeding, especially if this is different from the usual discharge
• Fluid leakage: A sudden gush or slow trickle of fluid could mean that the bag of water around the baby has broken.
• Low back pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the lower back

So…when you say "contractions"

Fair enough. Since we've never experienced them, it's hard to know what they feel like. But here's a general idea: contractions are like waves of tightening or squeezing that come and go. They might start out feeling mild cramps and then get stronger and more regular. They might feel them in their lower back, abdomen, both, or they may start in one area and radiate to the other. They can be very painful. They might also feel like a dull ache that doesn't go away.

What should you do if you think your partner is in preterm labor?

If they're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to call your healthcare provider right away. They can help you determine if they are in preterm labor and what steps you need to take next. They might ask them to come in for an exam or go to the hospital for monitoring. They might also recommend some treatments to help stop or delay labor.

What can we do to reduce the risk of preterm labor?

While there's no surefire way to prevent preterm labor, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk:

• Attend all prenatal appointments: Regular check-ups can help your healthcare provider monitor your pregnancy and catch any potential issues early.
• Avoid smoking, drugs, and alcohol: These can increase the risk of preterm labor and other complications.
• Manage stress: High levels of stress can also increase the risk of preterm labor, so find ways to them to relax and unwind.
• Know the signs: Being aware of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor can help you act quickly if you think something might be wrong.

The bottom line

Preterm labor can be a scary and stressful experience but knowing the signs and symptoms can help you recognize when it's time to call your healthcare provider. If you or your partner think they might be in preterm labor, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if it's preterm labor and what steps you need to take next. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry.