Preterm labor is when labor occurs at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy. The uterus contracts at a regular frequency strong enough to cause the cervix to thin and open, allowing the fetus to enter the birth canal. If preterm labor advances to result in delivery of the infant at less than 37 weeks, this is called preterm birth. This can result in health complications for the mother and baby. Because the fetus may be in an abnormal position earlier in pregnancy, there is a greater chance a cesarean delivery may be necessary for safe delivery. If infant complications occur, they can range from very mild to very severe or even lethal. These complications may include immaturity of the infant's lungs, intestines, brain, and other organs, infections, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, and neonatal death.

What causes preterm labor?

The cause of preterm labor is unknown. However, several things can increase your risk of preterm labor such as: smoking, overweight, underweight before pregnancy, no prenatal care, drinking alcohol or using street drugs during pregnancy, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, infections, being pregnant with a baby affected by a birth defect, twins, history of premature labor and getting pregnant too soon after having a baby.

What are the symptoms of preterm labor?

Warning signs of preterm labor include: backache, contractions, cramping, fluid leaking from your vagina, flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, increased pressure in your pelvis or vagina, increased vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding.

How is preterm labor diagnosed?

Please contact your doctor if you suspect that you are in preterm labor.

What is the treatment for preterm labor?

Often preterm contractions stop without any treatment. However, if preterm labor progresses, there are some treatment measures that can be taken to try to decrease complications for the infant. These include clinically proven safe steroids to help mature the baby's lungs and other organs, magnesium sulfate to help decrease the chance of cerebral palsy, and tocolytic agents to decrease contractions and delay delivery. It is important to have coordination between the obstetricians and the pediatricians caring for the mother and baby in case delivery does occur early. The infant may need to be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and cared for by our neonatologists and specialized nursing staff.

How can preterm labor be prevented?

The March of Dimes provides the following information regarding actions you can take to reduce your risk of preterm labor and early birth. 

Here's what you can do:

• Don't smoke, drink alcohol or take street drugs. Ask your provider about programs in your area that can help you quit.
• Go to your first prenatal care appointment as soon as you think you're pregnant. During pregnancy, go to all your prenatal care appointments, even if you're feeling fine. Prenatal care helps your provider make sure you and your baby are healthy.
• Talk to your provider about your weight. Ask how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. Try to get to a healthy weight before your next pregnancy.
• Get treated for chronic health conditions, like thyroid problems, diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Protect yourself from infections. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or blowing your nose. Don't eat raw meat or fish. Have safe sex. Don't touch cat poop.
• Reduce your stress. Exercise, be active and eat healthy foods. Ask for help from family and friends. Get help if your partner abuses you. Talk to your boss about how to lower your stress at work.
• Talk to your provider about how long to wait between pregnancies. See your provider for a preconception checkup before your next pregnancy.

Read more: March of Dimes preterm labor