Early signs of labor are a must know no matter what pregnancy number you are on. Knowing what to look for and understanding your body could save you on complications later with you and your baby. Going into labor too early could risk your baby’s life and health. As you move further into your pregnancy your doctor or midwife should discuss with you in more detail about the warning signs of early labor and when to go to the hospital. If you are not yet 37 weeks into your pregnancy, labor at this point would be considered premature.

Signs of Premature Labor:

• A contraction every 10 minutes or more often within one hour
• Watery fluid leaking from your vagina (this may mean that your water has broke)
• Cramping
• Low, dull backache
• Pelvic pressure or a feeling that the baby is pushing down
• Abdominal cramps that may be accompanied by diarrhea
• Unusual or sudden increase in vaginal discharge
• Bleeding

If you are experiencing some or all of these symptoms, immediately lie down on your left side and start drinking some water and call your doctor or midwife. Also, make sure that you empty your bladder. If you have a full bladder, that can cause cramping or Braxton Hicks. Any time you think you are having contractions, using the restroom, drinking water, lying down and or a warm bath should stop “practice” contractions.

Premature labor is something that all pregnant women need to be aware of. Even pregnancies that aren’t at high risk for premature labor can still experience it. Those that are at a higher risk for premature labor include the following:

• Premature labor and/or delivery with previous pregnancy
• Misshapen uterus
• Abdominal surgery during pregnancy
• More than two second trimester miscarriages or elective abortions
• Previous cone biopsy
• Pregnant with multiples
• Dehydration
• History of cervical change
• Serious infections with a fever above 101 degrees
• Recurring bladder or kidney infections during your pregnancy
• Over abundance of amniotic fluid
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding after your 20^th week of pregnancy
• Using recreational drugs while pregnant
• Domestic violence
• Being a heavy smoker (smokes more than 10 cigarettes a day)
• Extreme emotional or physical stress

If you fall into any of these categories putting you at high risk for premature labor, take extra good care of yourself and work closely with your provider and your family to make sure that you are doing all that you can to provide the best for your new bundle of joy.