Learn What Can Trigger Preterm Labor and What to Do

Preterm labor -- labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy -- can lead to premature birth, which increases a baby's risk of short- and long-term health risks. Learn more about your individual risk for preterm labor by talking with your midwife or OB. Approximately 1 in 10 babies in the United States are born preterm. The following is a list of events or conditions that can trigger preterm labor. 

• History of previous preterm labor or premature birth 
• Multiples pregnancy 
• Infections
• Vaginal bleeding
• Being under or overweight
• Smoking 
• Under 20 years of age or over 35 years of age
• Illegal drug use or prescription drug abuse 
• Issues with uterus or cervix 
• Stress
• Early placental separation
• Premature rupture of membranes (water breaking)
• Birth defects
• Family history of premature birth
• Getting pregnant quickly after prior birth (18 months is the recommended wait time)
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure 
• Domestic violence
• Event that causes injury to the abdomen or pelvic region, like a car accident or fall

Signs of premature labor include dull low backache, cramps in your abdomen or pelvic region, contractions (uterus tightens and releases - belly feels hard and then soft), water breaks, pressure down low in pelvis / vagina or rectum, and changes to discharge - blood or mucous. If you experience any of these, call your provider right away as they may be able to stop labor.