PRETERM,
PRELABOR, FALSE AND TRUE LABOR SYMPTOMS
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
Written by Drury, Kuba, McLaughlin, Tobin 6/95
Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators/Registered Nurses
Revised 5/02