Best Way to Recognize the Symptoms of Preterm Labor



Recognizing the symptoms of preterm labor can be difficult because they’re often quite subtle and mild and can be easily dismissed as the common discomforts of pregnancy. If you have never been preg­nant before, you may be unsure about what a contraction feels like.

You may feel something different but may think it’s just one more sen­sation to get used to as a normal part of pregnancy. Contractions are normal part of pregnancy when they occur at the right time in your pregnancy (full term) and in the right amount.

 Best Way to Recognize the Symptoms of Preterm Labor

Occasional contractions happen throughout pregnancy for all women. So how is one to tell whether these physical sensations are normal or the beginning of preterm labor? Recognizing the symptoms of preterm labor can be a challenge, but it is the key to protecting your pregnancy, your baby, and yourself.

When uterine contractions continue for some time, your cervix may begin to change in preparation for birth. When these changes to the cervix reach a certain point, stopping the progress toward an early delivery is very difficult and can lead to the premature birth of your baby. If you’re aware of what symptoms to watch for, you’re more likely to recognize them and can contact your doctor to be evaluated sooner.

Remember other subtle symptoms such as cramping, gas pains, and backache may also be signs of preterm labor. These may gradually increase in severity or frequency. But even though they become more pronounced or come more often, they may still not be recognized as something to call your doctor about. It’s natural to think that these symptoms are not important to report to yourOBprovider, when they’re not uncomfortable or when you think they are something else like a stomach ache from eating something that didn’t agree with you. But reporting of symptoms allows your doctor or midwife to deter­mine whether they warrant closer inspection.



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