Pre-term (Premature) Labor

Pre-term (Premature) labor is childbirth that begins before the baby is ready. This type of labor occurs between the 20th and 37th week of pregnancy. If you begin to have signs of premature labor before the 20th week it is termed a miscarriage. If you begin to have signs of labor after the 37th week it is termed a full-term labor.

Signs of Premature labor:

  • Cramping (menstrual like) with/without diarrhea
  • Lower backache
  • Discharge (watery/pinkish/brownish)
  • Passing Gelatin like material (mucus plug)
  • Trickle or Gush of amniotic fluid (Rupture of Membranes)

Note: If you have any of the signs above, please call your doctor.

The doctor may be able to stop early labor with Tocolytic (a medication that relaxes the uterus and prevents contractions). 

The doctor may also have you do the following:

  • Stop physical activities (including intercourse)
  • Bed rest

If the doctor believes labor is a likely possibility, they may give you corticosteroids to speed the development of the baby just in case labor begins. 

Things that may cause Pre-term (premature) Labor:

  • Drinking alcohol
  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Recreational type drugs (i.e. marijuana)
  • Not eating right
  • Not gaining enough weight (at least 20-25 pounds)
  • Under the age of 17 (body is still growing)
  • Over the age of 35 (body needs extra nutritional needs)
  • Pregnant with Multiples (i.e. twins) often times delivers 3 weeks earlier
  • Standing a lot
  • Incompetent Cervix (cervix fails to stay closed)
  • Placenta Previa (May have to have complete bed rest)
  • High levels of stress
  • Holding off urinating (always go to the bathroom when needed)
  • History of premature labor
  • Sexual Intercourse (may cause some women to have contractions)
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