Preterm labor is labor that occurs before your 37th week of pregnancy. (Most pregnancies last 38-42 weeks; your due date is 40 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period.)

Here are the warning signs of preterm labor:

• Contractions every 10mins. or more often


• Clear, pink or brownish fluid(water) leaking from your vagina


• The feeling that you baby is pushing down


• Low, dull backache


• Cramps that feel like your period


• Cramps with or without diarrhea

Know what to do

• Call your health care provider (doctor, midwife or nurse), if you have any of the preterm warning signs


• Stop what you are doing and rest on your left side for one hour


• Drink 2-3 glasses of water or juice (not coffee or soda)

Take care of yourself and your baby to avoid prematurity or preterm labor

• Get regular prenatal checkups. Start as soon as you know you are pregnant.


• Go to every appointment.


• Stay away from alcohol, cigarettes and street drugs


• Try to avoid stress. Ask family and friends for help.


• If you feel burning or pain when you go to the bathroom, you may have an infection. Call upon your health care provider immediately.

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