What are warning signs of preterm labor?
Preterm labor symptoms should be reported to your health care provider right away. You are the best judge of changes occurring in your body, so it is important to pay attention to these symptoms – even months before your due date. If you experience any one or more of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or go to the hospital: • Uterine contractions: Abdomen tightens and becomes hard. Irregular contractions occur normally during pregnancy, but if they become regular and occur every 10 minutes or closer they may be preterm labor. These contractions may be painful or you may not feel any pain with them. • Cramps that feel like your period: The cramping may come and go in a pattern or it may be constant. • Low, dull backache: May move to the sides or front. Changing positions does not make it go away. • Pelvic pressure: Feeling that the baby is pushing down. Or you may feel pressure in your pelvic area, low back or thighs. • Change in vaginal discharge: Leaking fluid or blood f
