Premature Labour: Causes, Symptoms & What To Do

Hello Moms-to-be,

Just a few days for your little one to brighten your life. I am sure you’re excited and eagerly waiting for the moment when labour pain arrives.

By now, you’ve learnt everything there is to know about labour. But what about premature labour?

Premature labour, or preterm labour, is when the body starts the birthing process before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This early labour can happen because of many reasons, like a history of preterm births, infections, high blood pressure, carrying twins, or lifestyle factors like smoking and unmanaged stress.

What should you do when it happens?

You should watch out for symptoms like frequent contractions, lower
back pain, pelvic pressure, or Change in vaginal discharge (watery, mucus-like, or bloody. If these occur, seek medical help immediately.

Sometimes, the amniotic sac breaks early, known as PPROM. Don’t worry, this can be managed with antibiotics to prevent infection, steroids to help the baby’s lungs mature, and hospitalisation to balance prolonging pregnancy and minimising risks.

When a baby is born prematurely, they need special care. Their growth can be supported by the NICU and by giving them a lot of warmth, nutrition, and continuous monitoring.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey.

For any questions or doubts, Apollo doctors and our supportive community are always here for you.