Symptoms of preterm labour

The symptoms of preterm labour can include:

  • Regular menstrual-like cramps, with or without diarrhea.
  • A feeling of pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen.
  • A persistent, dull ache in your lower back, pelvic area, lower abdomen, or thighs.
  • Changes in your vaginal discharge, which may increase in amount or become pink or reddish.
  • Persistent, regular contractions of your uterus less than 15 minutes apart. These contractions may be painless, though they make your abdomen feel firm to the touch.
  • Not feeling well, including:
    • Unexplained fever.
    • Fatigue.
    • Uterine tenderness.
  • Vaginal bleeding.


Author: Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Carrie Henley
Last Updated: April 10, 2007
Medical Review: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine
William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology

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