10 Signs of Preterm Labor

By lizzie

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Preterm Labor and Birth.' American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, June 2020, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preterm-labor-and-birth
• 2. 'Preterm Labor.' Mayo Clinic, 24 Dec. 2019, [www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preterm-labor/symptoms-causes/syc-20376842.](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preterm-labor/symptoms-causes/syc-20376842.)
• 3. 'Water Breaking: Understand This Sign of Labor.' Mayo Clinic, 16 July 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/water-breaking/art-20044142

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Cramping

Some cramping is normal during pregnancy, especially in the latter stages as the body readies itself for labor. For example, Braxton-Hicks contractions prepare the body for labor, but they come and go, being described as mild menstrual cramps. Persistent cramping that gets increasingly more uncomfortable may be a sign of preterm labor.¹‘Preterm Labor and Birth.’ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, June 2020, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preterm-labor-and-birth This cramping may or may not be accompanied by diarrhea.¹‘Preterm Labor and Birth.’ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, June 2020, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preterm-labor-and-birth

Cramping may be a sign of contractions that are causing changes in the cervix.¹‘Preterm Labor and Birth.’ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, June 2020, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preterm-labor-and-birth The body may be preparing for birth before it's time to do so, causing a thinning of the cervix and possibly even dilation.¹‘Preterm Labor and Birth.’ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, June 2020, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preterm-labor-and-birth