Health & Pregnancy

Understanding Labor and Delivery Complications - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Preterm Labor and Birth?

The symptoms of preterm labor and birth include:

• Contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy, with a tightening and hardening of the uterine muscle, 10 minutes apart or less (these may be painless)
• Cramps similar to menstrual cramps
• Low backache
• A feeling of pelvic pressure
• Abdominal cramps, gas, or diarrhea
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding
• A change in quality or quantity of vaginal discharge, especially any gush or leak of fluid

Call Your Doctor If:

You notice or feel any of the above symptoms.