Symptoms of preterm labor
The symptoms of preterm labor can include:
- Regular, 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.
- Persistent, regular contractions of your uterus less than 15 minutes apart. These contractions may be painless, though they make your abdomen feel firm to the touch.
- Not feeling well, including:
- Unexplained fever.
- Fatigue.
- Uterine tenderness.
- Vaginal bleeding.
| Author | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology |
| Last Updated | January 19, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
January 19, 2007
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