What Is Premature Labor?

If labor occurs before the pregnancy reaches its 37th completed week (full term being normally 40 weeks), it's known as premature labor, or preterm labor.

The World Health Organization defines premature labor as the onset of contractions of the uterus before the 37th completed week of pregnancy which are:

  • Regular
  • Frequent
  • Painful
  • Palpable (that can be felt by a health professional)

Incase there is also progressive effacement (shortening) as well as dilation (opening) of the cervix (the neck of the uterus), it is a sign that preterm labor has begun.

Just as normal labor differs in intensity from one woman to another, similarly the contractions of preterm labor also vary. Some women may not have painful contractions, but describe being "uncomfortable" or just feeling "as if something is not right." If you think you may be in preterm labor, trust your instincts and contact your doctor or health care provider for a thorough and complete exam.

What Happens During Labor

The uterus is a muscle that contracts during labor, causing the cervix to shorten and open to allow the baby to be born.

As labor progresses, the contractions happen more often, they also become stronger, and more regular. Eventually the cervix opens fully, allowing delivery to take place. When contractions cause the cervix to begin to open prior to the 37th week of pregnancy, this is premature labor.

Nice To Know:

  • During normal pregnancy, the uterus contracts and hardens from time to time, to prepare for that time when it will actually push the baby into the birth canal.

  • These normal contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, can be felt by pressing the fingertips on your abdomen as it becomes rounded as well as a little hard.

  • Braxton Hicks contractions are absolutely harmless and do not signify onset of labor.

Facts about Premature Labor

  • Nearly 8% of all deliveries are preterm. Preterm labor is responsible for about 75% of stillbirths and deaths of babies in first 7 days of life.

  • Despite improved and advanced technology and skill of neonatal pediatricians, around 10% of those babies who survive (usually the ones that are most immature) are likely to suffer some degree of lasting mental or physical handicap.

  • Most cases of preterm labor can be possibly treated to allow the baby to become more mature in uterus.

Common signs of premature labor

The following signs of premature labor could be a very normal part of pregnancy. Hence, if you think that you are experiencing any symptom, try to determine whether this shows a change in the pattern of your pregnancy or whether it has just been a normal occurrence for you.

  • Uterine contractions - regular contractions, 4 or more per hour
  • Cramps - quite similar to menstrual cramps, sometimes rhythmic, could be painful or painless
  • Backache - low, dull back pain
  • Pelvic Pressure - either rhythmic or persistent
  • Intestinal cramps - such as gas pains, with or without diarrhea
  • Increase or change in your vaginal secretions - increase in amount of mucous, change in color to brown or pink, or a large quantity of fluid.

Do's and Don'ts

Incase you are thinking that you are experiencing signs of Preterm Labor, then -

DO:

  • Call the doctor or your health care provider or the labor and delivery unit of your hospital.
  • You may be instructed to lie down on your left side, relax, and at the same time monitor yourself for contractions for an hour.
  • If you detect 4 or more contractions or continue to experience the above symptoms, call the health care provider again or simply go to the labor and delivery unit of the hospital and ask for a check-up.

DO NOT:

  • Worry about causing trouble to or bothering the staff. It is their job to help you out, and they are committed to making sure that you shall have the healthiest pregnancy and delivery possible.
       
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