Preterm Labor

Also called: Early Labor, Premature Birth, Premature Labor, Preterm Birth

Preterm labor is labor that starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. It can lead to premature birth. Premature babies may face serious health risks.

Symptoms of preterm labor include

• Contractions every 10 minutes or more often
• Leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina
• Feeling of pressure in the pelvis
• Low, dull backache
• Cramps that feel like menstrual cramps
• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

If you think you might be having preterm labor, contact your health care provider.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

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