• Preterm labour and birth are common phenomenon 
• Preterm birth can increase the chances of health concerns in your newborn 
• Preterm birth, however, can be prevented and managed for the best health outcomes

A normal pregnancy usually lasts 40 weeks. When a pregnant woman experiences contractions before the estimated time (early than 37 weeks), it is considered preterm labour. 

The early onset of labour result in the opening of your cervix after 20 weeks or before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm labour can lead to premature birth which can increase the risk of certain health problems in your baby such as cerebral palsy. 

Preterm labour leads to certain changes in your cervix including its thinning and dilation. These changes can lead to the following preterm labour symptoms:

• Frequent contractions (sensations of tightening of the abdomen)
• Consistent and dull back pain 
• Pelvic or abdominal pressure 
• Diarrhoea 
• Mild cramping in the abdomen 
• Light vaginal bleeding 
• Preterm rupture of membranes
• A change and increase in the amount of vaginal discharge

The exact causes of preterm labour are not known. Some common causes include:

• Infections 
• Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy 
• Hormonal changes 
• Stretching of the uterus due to carrying multiple pregnancies or too much amniotic fluid

Preterm labour can affect any pregnant woman, however, some women have a higher risk than others. Common risk factors leading to the causes of preterm labour include:

• History of preterm labour or preterm birth 
• Multiple pregnancies 
• Smoking 
• Having a short cervix before pregnancy
• History of gynaecological conditions or procedures 
• Problems in the uterus or placenta 
• Infections 
• Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes 
• Stress 
• Pregnancy complications 
• Chances of fetal birth defect 
• Too young or advanced age of the mother 

Your healthcare provider will discuss your medical history and evaluate your risk of preterm labour. Common tests which are done to diagnose premature labour include:

• Pelvic exam 
• Transvaginal ultrasound scans 
• Uterine monitoring 
• Lab tests 

Once preterm labour has started, there are no clinical procedures to stop it. If you are at an increased risk for premature labour, your obstetrician will help manage or prevent preterm labour through the following protocols:

• Medication to promote your baby’s health and mature organs faster 
• Surgical procedures (management of short cervix)
• Preventive medicine to reduce complications