Signs of Preterm Labor

It is important to know the signs of preterm labor.

The signs of preterm labor are:

• Bleeding
• Feeling that the baby is balling up
• Contractions (belly tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or less
• Changes in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid)
• Pelvic pressure (feeling that the baby is pushing down)
• Low, dull backache
• Cramps that feel like a period
• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea
• Feeling that something is not right
  

A health care provider must be contacted right away if a pregnant woman is experiencing any of these symptoms.