Preterm labor

Preterm labor occurs when regular contractions result in the opening of your cervix after week 20 and before week 37 of pregnancy.
Preterm labor can result in premature birth. The earlier premature birth happens, the greater the health risks for your baby. Many premature babies (preemies) need special care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Preemies can also have long-term mental and physical disabilities.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of preterm labor include:
  • Regular or frequent sensations of abdominal tightening (contractions)
  • Constant low, dull backache
  • A sensation of pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
  • Mild abdominal cramps
  • Vaginal spotting or light bleeding
  • Preterm rupture of membranes — in a gush or a continuous trickle of fluid after the membrane around the baby breaks or tears
  • A change in type of vaginal discharge — watery, mucus-like or bloody

Risk factors

Preterm labor can affect any pregnancy. Many factors have been associated with an increased risk of preterm labor, however, including:
  • Previous preterm labor or premature birth, particularly in the most recent pregnancy or in more than one previous pregnancy
  • Pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples
  • Problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta
  • Smoking cigarettes or using illicit drugs
  • Certain infections, particularly of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract
  • Some chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
  • Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one
  • Too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
  • Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
  • Presence of a fetal birth defect
  • An interval of less than six months between pregnancies
  • Infection of tissues that surround and support your teeth (periodontal disease)



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