PRETERM, PRELABOR, FALSE AND TRUE LABOR SYMPTOMS

Written by Drury, Kuba, McLaughlin, Tobin 6/95
Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators/Registered Nurses
Revised 5/02

PRETERM LABOR

(Premature Labor prior to 37 weeks)
Cramps more than 4 per hour

(Prior to 37 weeks)
Intermittent backache

(Prior to 37 weeks)
Pelvic pressure may extend into thighs

(Prior to 37 weeks)
Diarrhea

* Spotting
* Fluid - dripping or gushing from the vagina
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

PRELABOR
(Latent Labor)

(38 - 42 weeks)
Dropping, lightening, engaging
Increased Braxton-Hicks contractions
Leveling of weight
Increased vaginal secretions
Mucous plug/bloody show
Diarrhea
Burst of energy
Possible effacement and dilation

FALSE LABOR

Irregular Braxton - Hicks contractions (Most often felt in abdominal area or body of uterus)
Usually no bloody show
Contractions likely to decrease when changing activity such as walking, showering or bathing

TRUE LABOR

Contractions may feel like recurring:

Menstrual - like cramps

Gas pains

Backache (which may radiate to abdomen)

Water breaking (gush or trickle)

Contractions which become longer, stronger and closer together and are unrelieved by changes in activity or showering

Causes progressive effacement and dilation

CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF PRETERM LABOR IF YOUR WATER BREAKS OR YOU THINK IT MIGHT HAVE — rest on your left side and drink three eight ounce glasses of water

REVIEW
this handout with your doctor or healthcare provide at your next visit

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