What Is Preterm Labor?

Preterm labor is labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy. Learn what signs to look for in a preterm labor such as cramps or bleeding.

*Health information sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. co-pay.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.

Preterm labor is labor that starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. It can lead to premature birth. Premature babies may face serious health risks.

Symptoms of preterm labor include:

  • Contractions every 10 minutes or more often
  • Leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina
  • Feeling of pressure in the pelvis
  • Low, dull backache
  • Cramps that feel like menstrual cramps
  • Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

If you think you might be having preterm labor, contact your health care provider.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

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