Preterm labor is any labor that begins before week 37 of pregnancy. Babies born before 37 weeks of fetal age are at an increased risk for mental and physical disabilities. According to the March of Dimes, there are four main symptoms of preterm labor.
Contractions
Contractions are a main symptom of preterm labor. Many women fear they will not be able to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and real contractions. Real contractions will become regular over time, get stronger and closer together causing the cervix to soften and dilate. These contractions will generally become increasingly uncomfortable causing the woman to have to focus on breathing to make it through each contraction as they become more intense.
Braxton Hicks contractions do not generally have a regular pattern to them and are not painful. Drinking a few glasses of water, lying on the left side or changing positions will typically make Braxton Hicks contractions stop.
Increased Vaginal Discharge
As the cervix softens and dilates, there can be an increase in vaginal discharge. This may be represented as bleeding, loss of the mucous plug or a rupture of the membranes. This can also be referred to as bloody show. While for some women, the loss of the mucous plug is noticeable, others do not tend to recognize it as the plug can be lost in pieces over time instead of all at once.
The rupture of membranes or breaking of the water is an obvious symptom that is hard to miss. This can happen in a large gush or just a trickle. The doctor should be called as soon as this happens. The fluid should be clear and may have a slightly sweet scent. If the fluid is not clear and takes on the appearance of pea soup, medical intervention is needed as soon as possible. This can indicate that the baby has had his first bowel movement in the womb and the color of the fluid is being altered by the meconium. This can cause lung problems for the baby when the meconium is inhaled.
Pelvic Pressure
As the baby drops into position, there is increasing pressure placed on the pelvis. As the baby’s head descends into the pelvis, the doctor will be able to identify the station of the baby during an internal exam. When the baby’s head is still above the pelvic bones, it is referred to as a negative number. As the head descends beyond the pelvic bones, it is referred to as a positive station.
Walking may be more uncomfortable as the baby descends into the pelvic region. This is generally when most women begin to assume the pregnancy waddle when walking. The pelvic pressure can make many other activities more painful and difficult as well including rolling over in the bed at night.
Gastrointestinal Changes
Some women will experience gastrointestinal changes before the onset of labor. This can present as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. It is believed that the body naturally cleanses itself prior to labor. These changes can also be due to food poisoning or illness as well so it is important to seek treatment if this becomes severe or lasts longer than 24 hours. Continue with adequate fluid intake as dehydration at any point in pregnancy can cause contractions.
Recommendations
If you are experiencing preterm labor symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. While waiting for a return call, drink several glasses of water to ensure dehydration is not causing the symptoms. Lay down on the left side to relieve pressure from a main artery on the right side of the body.
If preterm labor symptoms include the rupture of membranes and the fluid is not clear, do not continue to wait indefinitely for a return call from the doctor. Seek medical treatment at the closest emergency room to ensure the health of the unborn baby.
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