Preterm Labor Symptoms, Know the Signs of Premature Labor

If you experience any of these signs and symptoms of premature labor or other unusual changes, call your doctor right away:

• Contractions every 12 minutes or more often
• Change in vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pressure
• Backache
• Cramps

Steps to Take When You Know Your Risk for Preterm Labor and Delivery

The PreTRM Test provides key information about your pregnancy’s risk of preterm delivery. After you receive the results of your test, there are several key steps you can take if you are at high risk:

• Speak with your doctor to personalize your pregnancy care  in an effort to mitigate your risk
• Plan for a possible premature delivery
• Know the signs and symptoms of premature labor

Speak With Your Doctor for Information About Your Pregnancy Health

Your physician can use the results of your PreTRM Test, along with other information from your prenatal visits and your medical history, to create a personalized plan for your medical care. 

Talk to your doctor

Plan for Possible Preterm Labor and Delivery

If you learn that your pregnancy is at higher risk of preterm birth, there are steps that you can take to plan for this possibility:

• Pay attention to unusual changes in your body so you can alert your doctor of any signs of premature labor
• Research and select a hospital with a reputable neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
• Work with your employer to plan for a possible early maternity leave due to premature birth
• Arrange for the care of your other children if needed
• Change travel plans for the weeks before your due dates as needed.

Additional FAQs about Premature Labor

Are Braxton Hicks the same as preterm labor contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions, often referred to as “practice contractions,” are sporadic, irregular contractions that may start as early as the second trimester. These contractions are a natural part of pregnancy and play a crucial role in toning the uterine muscles. Unlike preterm labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions do not indicate the onset of labor and usually subside with rest or a change in activity.

On the other hand, preterm labor contractions are more consistent and regular than Braxton Hicks. They occur before the 37-week mark of gestation, putting the pregnancy at risk of preterm birth. Preterm labor contractions may be accompanied by other warning signs, such as vaginal bleeding or changes in vaginal discharge.

It’s essential for expectant mothers to recognize the differences between these contractions and to seek medical attention if they suspect they are experiencing preterm labor. Medical professionals can assess the contractions’ frequency, intensity, and other symptoms to determine whether they pose a risk of preterm birth.

When will the hospital admit you for labor?

The anticipation of labor is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for expectant parents. Knowing when to head to the hospital can be a crucial decision, especially to prevent complications such as preterm labor and reduce the risk of preterm birth.

The timing for hospital admission during labor varies for each pregnancy, depending on multiple factors. Generally, healthcare providers recommend heading to the hospital when contractions become regular, stronger, and closer together, or if there is any suspicion of preterm labor.

Expectant mothers may be admitted to the hospital if they experience other signs of labor, such as the rupture of the amniotic sac (commonly known as water breaking) or the presence of bloody show (a small amount of blood-tinged mucus discharge).

For pregnancies at risk of preterm birth or with certain medical conditions, healthcare providers may recommend earlier hospital admission for close monitoring and necessary interventions.

Additionally, hospital admission criteria may also consider the gestational age of the baby. If a pregnancy is at or near full-term (around 37 weeks), the healthcare team may recommend heading to the hospital sooner.

Can I avoid a preterm birth if I receive a higher risk result from the PreTRM test?

A recent study, The AVERT PRETERM Trial, showed promising results in reducing the impacts of preterm births. Patients tested with the PreTRM Test and found to be at higher risk were given interventions and additional care. While the rate of preterm births was not significantly reduced, babies in the study stayed in the womb longer, were healthier, and spent less time in the hospital.¹

Can you stop preterm labor?

The possibility of preterm labor can be a concerning aspect of pregnancy, leaving expectant parents wondering if there are ways to halt its progression and prevent preterm birth. While it may not always be possible to completely stop preterm labor, there are medical interventions and strategies that healthcare providers can employ to prolong the pregnancy and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.

Tocolytic medications are one such intervention commonly used to delay preterm labor. These medications work by relaxing the uterine muscles, reducing the frequency and intensity of contractions. By slowing down labor, tocolytics offer valuable time for other treatments, such as corticosteroids, to be administered. Corticosteroids can accelerate the development of the baby’s lungs, which is crucial for preterm infants’ respiratory health.

Bed rest and reducing physical activity may also be recommended to help ease preterm labor. Limiting activity can potentially reduce the strain on the uterus and provide an opportunity for the body to settle into a less labor-prone state.

Additionally, addressing any underlying medical conditions or infections that may be contributing to preterm labor is essential in managing the situation effectively.

However, it is crucial to note that not all cases of preterm labor can be stopped. The decision to intervene and the choice of treatment will depend on the individual circumstances and the baby’s gestational age.

References

1. Matthew K. Hoffman, Carrie Kitto, Zugui Zhang, et al. Neonatal outcomes after proteomic biomarker-guided intervention: the AVERT PRETERM TRIAL. medRxiv 2023.09.13.23295503; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.09.13.23295503