Preterm Labor is labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy, instead of the 40 weeks that is normally required. This can result in premature birth, which puts your baby at greater risk for health complications. While the exact cause of preterm labor is not clear, there are certain risk factors that may increase your chances, including smoking, being under 20 or over 35 years old, having experienced preterm birth in the past, stress, and more.

Common signs and symptoms of preterm labor include:

  • Frequent contractions.
  • A feeling of lower abdominal pressure.
  • Consistent, dull aching of the lower back.
  • Abdominal cramping.
  • Vaginal spotting or bleeding.
  • A vaginal gush or continuous trickle of fluid.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and are not yet due to deliver, be sure to contact our clinic right away. Do not worry about these symptoms being a sign of a “false alarm”, as we would rather be cautious.