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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.

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.¹

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. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.