Signs of premature labour
What are the signs of premature labour?
The following symptoms before 37 weeks of pregnancy could indicate premature labour:
- either a slow trickle or a gush of clear or pinkish fluid from the vagina or any increase in vaginal discharge
- backache
- cramps like strong period pains
- a frequent need to urinate
- a feeling of pressure in the pelvis
- nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
If you have any of the following symptoms, phone the hospital or midwife straight away, as you could be in labour:
Don't delay if you have strong pain, a smelly discharge or bleeding from your vagina, or if you are feeling feverish, sick or have a temperature, call immediately as you may need urgent medical attention.
Read more about going into labour prematurely
If you have been told you are at risk of having a premature baby, or if you have already had a premature baby, you are likely to have lots of questions about preterm birth.
Knowing the stages of growth and development after a preterm baby is born and how to care for your baby is essential to give the best chance of survival.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Preterm birth and labour, guidance in development final scope, NICE, 2013. Also available at:http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/14004/62814/62814.pdf (accessed 15 April 2014)
Review dates
Last reviewed: April 1st, 2017. Next review date: April 1st, 2020.
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