Symptoms of Preterm Labor and Delivery
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Symptoms of preterm labor can occur anytime before your 37th week of pregnancy. Preterm labor contractions may or may not feel different from normal labor contractions. In many cases, it is hard to tell the difference between preterm contractions and normal aches or baby movements. Talk with your doctor about the signs of preterm labor.
The signs and symptoms of preterm labor include:
- Contractions every ten minutes or more often
- Watery discharge from your vagina
- Light vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Pressure on your pelvis that feels as if your baby is pushing down
- Low, dull backache
- Menstrual-like cramps that come and go
- Abdominal cramps that may occur with diarrhea
Call you doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or any unusual sensations.
References:
Premature birth. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=DB81ABF4-378D-453B-AFD7BF32AD6F01E7&dsection=1 . Accessed September 23, 2005.
Preterm labor. March of Dimes website. Available at: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_1080.asp . Accessed September 22, 2005.
Preterm labor. University of Michigan Health System website. Available at: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/wha/wha_ptl_crs.htm . Accessed September 23, 2005.
Last reviewed June 2007 by Jeff Andrews, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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