Premature Labor
When a baby is delivered before the 37th week of pregnancy, it is called a premature delivery. Premature births, which are 10% of all births, account for 75% to 85% of all newborn deaths.
Because you do not expect it, you may begin labor early without realizing you are in labor. The symptoms may be relatively mild, and include a new-onset of regular, re-occurring lower back pain or pelvic pain, diarrhea, tightening across the belly, or cramping similar to menstrual cramping.
During your last three months (after about 28 weeks), you may feel the uterus contract or tighten more frequently and stronger then it did before. This is normal. These contractions are usually irregular and not painful. Although you may or may not feel these “Braxton-Hicks” contractions, they often occur when you are changing positions or stretch. This is like any other muscle that gets stretched, and is normal.
It is normal to have an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but this should be white to yellow-white, have no strong odor, and no itching or burning. It is also common for urine to leak or gush from the bladder, and this may mimic leaking of the amniotic fluid. It may also be normal to have a small amount of spotting/bleeding after a vaginal exam in the office.
Please call the office at (816) 468-7800 immediately for:
- Regular menstrual-like cramping lasting more than an hour
- Increased pelvic pressure
- Regular tightening of the low abdomen/belly
- New onset of middle or low back pain, especially if associated with cramping
- Pink or blood-tinged mucous (if not after an exam) or bright red bleeding
- Continued leaking or a gush of clear, thin, watery fluid (may be the amniotic fluid or “bag of waters” breaking)
- Green vaginal discharge