Premature Labor- Be safe than sorry

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Preterm or premature labor happens when pregnant woman undergoes labor three or more weeks before her due date. Babies born in such a criteria can have lifelong or life-threatening health problems. About 12 percent of babies in the United States are born prematurely. Preterm birth can cause health problems or can even be fatal for the baby if it happens too early. The more mature a child is at birth, the more likely he/she is to survive and the less likely he/she is to have health problems. To be on the safer side check the risk factors, signs and symptoms and prevention methods for premature labor.

Risk factors

• Women suffering from uterine abnormalities or uterine fibroids


• Women who have previously suffered from Preterm labor or birth.


• If the baby is diagnosed with excessive amniotic fluid.


• Pregnant woman with placenta previa that is a frequent cause of bleeding during the second and third trimester of pregnancy


• Low weight gain during pregnancy


• Poor parental care.


• Addiction to smoking, alcohol or drug use.

Signs and symptoms

• Any clear fluid discharge or any abnormal or malodorous discharge pink or brownish fluid (water) leaking from your vagina.


• If the baby changes his or her pattern of movement, alert your doctor or midwife.


• Pressure in the vagina or the sense that baby has dropped prior to 36 weeks.


• Tightening or contractions that seem to occur at every 4-5 hours.


• Irregular pain in the lower abdomen or in the back like menstrual cramps with or without diarrhea.


• Any fluid loss, vaginal bleeding or spotting.

Symptoms like pelvic pressure or low back pain, and sporadic early contractions occur during normal pregnancies also. However report this changes to your doctor, as it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Prevention of Preterm labor

Steps to prevent Preterm labor.

• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday as dehydration can cause contractions.


• A full bladder can irritate the uterus and therefore can cause contractions. Therefore empty your bladder about every 2 to 3 hours.


• Avoid lifting heavy objects. Do not overexert yourself.


• If you have other children, do not carry them.


• Take frequent rest periods throughout the day. Lie on your left side as sleeping on your left side provides the best blood flow to your baby.


• Avoid breast stimulation


• Certain women at risk for Preterm labor should also avoid sexual activity.