Warning Signs of Premature Labor
Menstrual-like cramps felt in the lower abdomen that may come and go or be constant. Low dull backache felt below the waistline that may come and go or be constant. Pelvic pressure that feels like your baby is pushing down. This pressure comes and goes.
Problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta. Smoking cigarettes or using illicit drugs. Some infections, particularly of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract. Some chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
You feel some cramping or contractions
You may notice an increase in mild cramps or Braxton Hicks contractions ("practice" contractions) that feel like a tightening or hardening of the uterus as you approach delivery. Additionally, you may notice a sensation of building pressure or cramping in your pelvic/rectal area.
The baby will keep moving until the labor begins, and this movement will continue during the early labor. However, the movement pattern may change. Instead of kicking the womb, the baby may squirm or shuffle. The feeling of the baby's movement provides assurance that the baby is doing well.
About 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely each year in the United States.
High levels of stress that continue for a long time may cause health problems, like high blood pressure and heart disease. During pregnancy, stress can increase the chances of having a premature baby (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a low-birthweight baby (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces).
'Early' technically means premature, or before 37 weeks pregnant. 'Late' is officially after 42 completed weeks of pregnancy, or post dates.
“The due date is 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period. But some women can go beyond that to 41 weeks.”
Full-term babies are born between 37 and 42 completed weeks of pregnancy. Babies born prior to 37 weeks gestation are considered premature. More than half a million babies are born before they have reached 37 weeks of maturity.
Most babies (91%) in Australia are born at term (37–41 weeks).
More than 90% are born two weeks either side of the predicted date. But, as noted above, only 4% (or 4.4%, ignoring pregnancies with complications etc) are born on the predicted date itself - in other words, the chance of this happening is less than one in 20.
For up to a week before labour starts, you might notice that you're feeling a bit different. This is because changes are taking place in your body as it prepares for birth.
Some of the most common things women experience when labor is 24 hours away are cramps and contractions. You might feel that your stomach is becoming tight and may experience discomfort in your lower back. Along with that, you might also experience cramps in your pelvic area.
Labor contractions usually cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Contractions move in a wave-like motion from the top of the uterus to the bottom. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps.
Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks (280 days) from the first day of your last menstrual period (also called LMP) to your due date. Your due date is the date that your provider thinks you will have your baby.
It is very common for pregnant women to go beyond their due date. In fact, only about 5 per cent of women actually give birth on the exact date they are due. Most babies arrive between 37 weeks and 41 weeks of pregnancy, but usually within a week either side of their expected due date.
What Happens at 9 Months of Pregnancy? 36 Weeks Pregnant.
Most of the time, premature births happen spontaneously (naturally) and doctors will not know why. Sometimes, a premature birth is planned because it's safer for mum and/or the baby.
Certainly there are numerous circumstances where it is medically necessary to deliver a baby before its due date. However, scheduling a delivery before 39 weeks for convenience should be avoided whenever possible. Early births don't allow your baby to fully develop and can increase the risk of serious health issues.