Preterm labour refers to the onset of labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies born preterm may face health challenges, so recognising the signs early and seeking immediate medical attention can make a crucial difference.
Common Signs of Preterm Labour
If you experience any of the following symptoms before 37 weeks, contact your healthcare provider straight away:
- Regular contractions – Tightenings that occur every 10 minutes or more frequently.
- Lower back pain – A persistent or intermittent dull ache that doesn’t go away.
- Pelvic pressure – A sensation of heaviness or pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen.
- Abdominal cramps – Similar to period pain, often accompanied by diarrhoea.
- Changes in vaginal discharge – A sudden increase, watery fluid, mucus, or bloody discharge.
- Ruptured membranes (waters breaking) – A gush or continuous trickle of fluid from the vagina.
Why Immediate Medical Attention is Crucial
Seeking urgent medical advice if you suspect preterm labour can help prevent complications. Your care provider may perform tests to check for labour progression and intervene to delay birth if necessary, giving your baby the best chance of healthy development.
Understanding Labour Stages: What to Expect
Labour progresses in distinct stages, each with its own signs and experiences. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared when the time comes.
First Stage: Early, Active, and Transition Phases
This stage is the longest and consists of three phases:
Early Labour (Latent Phase)
- Contractions begin irregularly and become more rhythmic.
- Cervix dilates up to 4 cm.
- You may experience mild discomfort and be able to talk through contractions.
- It’s best to stay home, rest, and conserve energy.
Active Labour
- Contractions become stronger, longer, and closer together.
- Cervix dilates from 4 cm to around 7 cm.
- You may need more focus to manage contractions.
- It’s usually time to head to your birthing place if you’re not already there.
Transition Phase
- The most intense stage, as the cervix dilates from 7 cm to 10 cm.
- Contractions are very strong, occurring every 2–3 minutes.
- You may feel pressure in your bottom and an overwhelming urge to push.
- Support and reassurance from your birth team are essential.
Second Stage: Pushing and Birth
- Begins when the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) and ends with the birth of your baby.
- You’ll feel the urge to push with contractions.
- This stage may last minutes to a few hours, especially for first-time parents.
- Baby is born!
Third Stage: Delivery of the Placenta
- After your baby is born, the placenta needs to be delivered.
- This may happen naturally or with medical assistance.
- Contractions continue, but they are milder.
- Skin-to-skin contact with your baby and early breastfeeding can help this stage progress smoothly.
Understanding the signs of preterm labour and the stages of labour ensures you feel more confident and prepared for birth. Always listen to your body, trust your instincts, and reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
At The Night Owl, we support parents on every step of their journey—including feeding and nurturing your newborn in those precious early days.