Premature Labour

Symptoms

Source: NHS

In this topic (6)

Signs of premature labour

The signs of premature labour can be similar to the signs of labour that starts at full term, and may include:

  • contractions
  • period-type pains
  • a "show" (when the plug of mucus that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy comes away and out of the vagina)
  • breaking of the waters (rupture of membranes) – this can be a gush or a trickle backache

Articles for Premature Labour

If your waters have broken

If your waters haven't broken

Your midwife or doctor should discuss with you the symptoms of pre-term labour, and offer checks to see if you're in labour.

Introduction

Symptoms

The signs of premature labour can be similar to the signs of labour that starts at full term, and may include: contractions, period-type pains, breaking of the waters, etc.

Twins and multiples

What are the risks to my baby of being born early?

Babies born before full term (before 37 weeks) are vulnerable to problems associated with being born premature. The earlier in the pregnancy a baby is born, the more vulnerable they are.