Learn about Premature birth symptoms from Consumer Reports Health.

Premature birth

What are the symptoms of preterm labor?

Labor is early if it starts before 37 weeks.

Contact your doctor if you notice:

Bleeding or spots of blood from your vagina
Cramping pains that feel like contractions
Pain in your lower back that you haven't had before
Your water breaking (see below for signs that this is happening).

You may not be in labor, but if you are, you and your baby will need treatment in the hospital. Don't delay asking for help.

It can be hard for doctors to tell whether or not you are in labor. A test called fetal fibronectin may be useful. But it's not suitable for everyone. To learn more, see Fibronectin test for preterm labor.

How will I know if my water breaks early?

When your water breaks, you leak amniotic fluid (the fluid around your baby in the uterus). You'll notice a watery discharge from your vagina. Sometimes the discharge is stained with blood. If your water breaks before 37 weeks then you are experiencing premature rupture of membranes and will need treatment in the hospital. There's a high likeliness your delivery will start early.

Source:
Goldenberg RL, Rouse DJ.
Prevention of premature birth.
New England Journal of Medicine. 1998; 339: 313-320.

Sources for the information on this page:

Goldenberg RL, Rouse DJ.Prevention of premature birth.New England Journal of Medicine. 1998; 339: 313-320.

This information was last updated on Nov 19, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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