Preterm Labor – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Preterm labor occurs when regular contractions open the cervix between weeks 20 and 37 of pregnancy. This can lead to an early birth before the full 37 weeks of pregnancy has completed.

Babies born this early are often called “preemies” and may face significant health challenges.

The earlier a baby is delivered, the higher the health risks they face. Many premature infants require specialized care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

These babies may also experience long-term health issues that affect both their physical and mental development.

Medical experts often cannot identify a specific cause for preterm labor. While certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing preterm labor, it’s important to note that it can occur even in pregnancies with no known risk factors.

Signs and Symptoms

Preterm labor may cause several noticeable signs. You might feel regular tightening of your belly (contractions).

Many women also experience a constant dull ache in their lower back. There could be feelings of pressure in your pelvic area or lower abdomen.

Some women notice mild stomach cramps. Light bleeding or spotting from the vagina may occur. If the amniotic sac breaks, you might feel a sudden gush of fluid or a slow leak.

Watery, bloody, or mucus-filled discharge from the vagina is another common sign.

When Medical Help Is Needed

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any signs of preterm labor or feel something isn’t right. Quick action is important.

Your doctor can determine whether you’re actually in preterm labor or not. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, getting checked will help ease your worries.

Things That Can Raise Risks

Several health-related factors can increase your chance of having a baby too early:

• Previous Early Births: If you’ve had a premature baby before, especially in your last pregnancy or multiple times, your risk is higher.
• Short Cervix: Having a cervix that is shorter than normal can lead to early labor.
• Uterus or Placenta Problems: Abnormalities in these structures may interfere with full-term pregnancy.
• Infections: Particularly those affecting the amniotic fluid or lower genital tract can trigger early labor.
• Long-Term Health Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and depression can all contribute to preterm labor.

Pregnancy-Related Factors

Certain aspects of your pregnancy may increase risks:

• Multiple Babies: Carrying twins, triplets, or more raises the chance of early delivery.
• Excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) puts extra pressure on the uterus.
• Bleeding during pregnancy can be a warning sign.
• Short spacing between pregnancies (less than 18 months) doesn’t give your body enough recovery time.
• Age factors: Being younger than 17 or older than 35 increases risks.
• Fertility treatments: Pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technology carry higher risk, even with single babies.

Additional Risk Factors

Other important factors include:

• Substance Use: Smoking or using illegal drugs significantly increases risks.
• Life Stress: Major stressful events like losing a loved one can trigger early labor.
• Demographic Factors: Black women and non-Hispanic women face higher rates of preterm birth.
• Nutrition Issues: Poor diet or being underweight before pregnancy affects development.
• Lack of Medical Care: Missing prenatal appointments means potential problems may go undetected.

Complications

Preterm labor can lead to a baby being born before full development. These early births can cause several health issues for the baby, including:

• Low birth weight
• Breathing difficulties
• Underdeveloped organs
• Vision and hearing problems

Babies born prematurely face higher risks of long-term conditions such as cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. In some cases, preterm birth can be life-threatening for the infant.

Ways to Prevent Preterm Labor

Preventing preterm labor may not always be possible, but you can take steps to support a healthy pregnancy that reaches full term. Here are important actions that may help reduce your risk:

• Regular prenatal checkups are essential during pregnancy. These visits help healthcare providers monitor both your health and your baby’s development. If you have had preterm labor before or notice concerning symptoms, you might need more frequent checkups.
• Healthy eating habits play a big role in pregnancy outcomes. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins helps provide the nutrients needed for your baby’s growth.
• Avoid harmful substances throughout your pregnancy:
  • Stop smoking if you currently do
  • Don’t use illegal drugs
  • Ask your doctor about safe ways to quit harmful habits
• Consider pregnancy spacing carefully. Research shows that pregnancies starting less than six months after giving birth may increase the risk of premature birth. Talk with your healthcare provider about birth control options and ideal timing between pregnancies.
• Control existing health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. These conditions can raise the risk of preterm labor if not properly managed. Work closely with your healthcare team to keep these conditions under control during pregnancy.

Women with a history of preterm labor or premature birth face higher risks in future pregnancies. If this applies to you, pay special attention to risk factors and be alert to early signs of preterm labor.

Your healthcare provider might recommend additional preventive measures based on your personal health history. These could include:

1. More frequent ultrasounds to check cervical length
2. Special medications in certain high-risk cases
3. Activity modifications when necessary