What are the signs of preterm labor?
The signs attributed to preterm labor can also be a very normal part of a healthy pregnancy. The following list of signs is important if they are a change from your normal pregnancy experience. Call your health care provider, lie down, and monitor for uterine contractions in the presence of any of the following signs: • Painless uterine contractions that may occur every 15 minutes or less. • Menstrual-like cramps that come in waves or are constant. • Lower, dull backache often radiating to sides or front, which may be constant or rhythmic, and not relieved by a change in position. • Pelvic pressure or a feeling like “the baby is coming down.” • Intestinal cramps that can feel like “gas pains” in the presence or absence of diarrhea. • Increase or change in vaginal discharge. • A general feeling that something is not right.
