Going into labor before week 37 of pregnancy is called preterm labor. Preterm labor can cause your baby to be born too soon. This can lead to health problems for you and your baby.

If you think you're having preterm labor, get medical help right away. Contractions alone don't mean you're in preterm labor. What matters more are changes in your cervix. The cervix is the opening at the lower end of the uterus. Symptoms of preterm labor may include:

• Regular or frequent (often painless) contractions or uterine tightening that does not resolve with rest and hydration
• Strong contractions
• Constant menstrual-like cramping
• Low-back pain
• Mucous or bloody fluid from the vagina
• Bleeding or spotting in the second or third trimester

Your doctor will try to find out if you're in preterm labor or just having contractions. They may watch you for a few hours. You may have the following tests or procedures:

• Pelvic exam. This is to see if your cervix has effaced (thinned) and dilated (opened).
• Uterine activity monitoring. This is used to detect contractions.
• Fetal monitoring. This is done to check the health of your baby.
• Ultrasound. This test looks at your baby's size and position.
• Fetal fibronectin (fFN) test. This test helps predict if you are going into preterm labor.

If you have preterm contractions but your cervix is still thick and closed, your doctor may tell you to:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Do fewer activities.
• Rest in bed on your side.
• Don't have intercourse or stimulate your nipples.

Contact your doctor if you have any of these:

• Regular or frequent (often painless) contractions or uterine tightening that does not resolve with rest and hydration
• Strong contractions
• Bag of water breaks
• Bleeding or spotting

Preterm labor often means that you need hospital care. You may have an I.V. (intravenous) line in your arm or hand. This is to give you fluids. You may be given pills or injections. These are done to help prevent contractions. You may get a medicine called a corticosteroid. This is to help your baby's lungs mature more quickly.

Any pregnant woman can have preterm labor. It may start for no reason. But these risk factors can increase your chances:

• Past preterm labor or early birth
• Smoking, drug, or alcohol use in pregnancy
• A multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
• Problems with the shape of the uterus
• Bleeding during the pregnancy

A baby born too soon may have health problems. This is because the baby didn't have enough time to grow. Some of the risks for your baby include:

• Not breastfeeding or feeding well
• Having immature lungs
• Bleeding in the brain
• Lifelong health problems like cerebral palsy (CP) or learning disabilities
• Death

Your goal is to get as close to term (week 37 or later) as you can before giving birth. The closer you get to term, the higher your chance of having a healthy baby. Work with your doctor. Together, you can take steps that may keep you from giving birth too early.