Health & Pregnancy
Preterm Labor - Symptoms
Preterm labor often starts without obvious symptoms. But you may notice one or more symptoms, including:
- Menstrual-like cramps, with or without diarrhea.
- A feeling of pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen.
- A persistent, dull ache in your lower back, pelvic area, lower abdomen, or thighs.
- Changes in your vaginal discharge, which may increase in amount or become pink or reddish.
- Regular contractions of your uterus for an hour. This means about 4 or more in 20 minutes, or about 8 or more within 1 hour, even after you have had a glass of water and are resting.
- Not feeling well, including:
- Unexplained fever.
- Fatigue.
- Uterine tenderness.
It is sometimes hard to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and preterm labor contractions.
Maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel your best. Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve your posture and decrease some common discomforts such as backaches and fatigue. There is evidence that physical activity may prevent gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), relieve stress, and build more stamina needed for labor and delivery. If you were physically active before your pregnancy, you should be able to...
Read the Exercise During Pregnancy article > >
You may have one or more of these symptoms and not be in preterm labor. But if you are concerned, notify your doctor or nurse-midwife.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Preterm Labor Topics
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