What Are Early Labor Signs?
It is important to recognize early labor signs so that there is plenty of time to head to the hospital. In cases of preterm labor, or other problems, doctors can intervene more successfully if one gets to the hospital early. Preterm labor is defined as any labor that occurs prior to 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm labor has the same symptoms as term labor, and, when caught early enough, medical intervention can prevent preterm birth. Two common early labor signs are not signs that the woman herself will notice. During the end of the pregnancy, the healthcare provider will perform a vaginal exam at each appointment. She will note whether the cervix is thinning out and dilating in preparation for labor. The cervix thins, or effaces, as the body prepares for labor. The cervix will reach 100 percent effacement prior to a vaginal delivery.
