10 Signs of Preterm Labor

By lizzie

Reviewed: dr. vanta

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

Medical Expert

More About Us

Cervical Dilation

Cervical Dilation is a sign of preterm labor that can only be diagnosed via pelvic exam. Typically, the cervix begins to open between 37 and 40 weeks to prepare for the impending birth. A sign of preterm labor is when this process begins between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.²‘Preterm Labor.’ Mayo Clinic, 24 Dec. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preterm-labor/symptoms-causes/syc-20376842.

If the obstetrician notes this dilation process occurring too early, they may prescribe a medication and bed rest to stop labor from progressing.

Preterm Labor