Definition

Preterm labor is labor that starts before 37 weeks. It can lead to early delivery. Babies born before 37 weeks are premature.

Causes

The cause is not always known. Sometimes it is caused by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). This is when the amniotic sac breaks before 37 weeks and labor has not started within 1 hour.

Amniotic Sac Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in women who:

• Are Black
• Are pregnant with more than 1 baby
• Used assistive reproductive technology to become pregnant
• Are under the age of 16 years old

Some things that may raise the risk are:

• Prior premature birth
• Problems with the cervix
• Certain infections
• Substance use
• Alcohol use
• Mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety
• Problems with the placenta or uterus
• Vaginal bleeding
• Birth defects in the fetus

Symptoms

Problems may be:

• Belly cramps with or without diarrhea
• Watery or bloody vaginal discharge
• An increase in discharge
• Dull pain in the lower back
• Pressure in the pelvis and tightening in the thighs

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. An exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on your baby's growth, especially the lungs. Labor may be allowed to go on in a baby that is more developed. The doctor may try to stop labor in a baby that is not developed enough.

Some ways this may be treated are with:

• Tocolytics to try to delay labor for a few days
• Corticosteroids to help the baby's lungs grow
• Antibiotics to treat an infection

Prevention

This problem cannot always be prevented. Early and regular prenatal care can help find and treat some problems before they happen.