If you think you’re having preterm labor, get medical help right away. Contractions alone don’t mean you’re in preterm labor. What matters more are changes in your cervix (the lower end of the uterus). Symptoms of preterm labor include:

• Four or more contractions per hour

• Strong contractions

• Constant menstrual-like cramping

• Low-back pain

• Mucous or bloody vaginal discharge

• Bleeding or spotting in the second or third trimester

Your healthcare provider will try to find out whether you’re in preterm labor or whether you’re just having contractions. He or she may watch you for a few hours. The following tests may be done:

• Pelvic exam to see if your cervix has effaced (thinned) and dilated (opened)

• Uterine activity monitoring to detect contractions

• Fetal monitoring to check the health of your baby

• Ultrasound to check your baby’s size and position

• Amniocentesis to check how mature your baby’s lungs are

If you have preterm contractions, but your cervix is still thick and closed, your healthcare provider may ask you to do the following at home:

• Drink plenty of water.

• Do fewer activities.

• Rest in bed on your side.

• Don't have intercourse or nipple stimulation.

Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of these:

• Four or more contractions per hour

• Bag of water breaks

• Bleeding or spotting

Preterm labor often requires that you have hospital care and complete bed rest. You may have an IV (intravenous) line to get fluids. You may be given pills or injections to help prevent contractions. Finally, you may get medicine (corticosteroids) that helps your baby’s lungs mature more quickly.

Any pregnant woman can have preterm labor. It may start for no reason. But these risk factors can increase your chances:

• Past preterm labor or past early birth

• Smoking, drug, or alcohol use during pregnancy

• Multiple fetuses (twins or more)

• Problems with the shape of the uterus

• Bleeding during the pregnancy

A baby born too soon may have health problems. This is because the baby didn’t have enough time to mature. Some of the risks for your baby include:

• Not breastfeeding or feeding well

• Having immature lungs

• Bleeding in the brain

• Dying

Your goal is to get as close to term as you can before giving birth. The closer you get to term, the higher your chance of having a healthy baby. Work with your healthcare provider. Together, you can take steps that may keep you from giving birth too early.