Signs of Preterm Labor

Preterm birth can occur if labor starts before the end of the 37th week. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of preterm labor. If preterm labor is diagnosed early, your doctor may try to postpone birth to give your baby extra time to grow and mature. Even a few more days in the womb may mean a healthier baby.

Call your health care provider right away if you notice any of these signs of preterm labor:

• Change in vaginal discharge (becomes watery, mucus-like or bloody)
• Increase in amount of vaginal discharge
• Pelvic or lower-abdominal pressure
• Constant, low, dull backache
• Mild abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea
• Regular or frequent contractions or uterine tightening, often painless (four times every 20 minutes or eight times an hour for more than one hour)
• Ruptured membranes (your water breaks, either a gush or a trickle)