Preterm delivery—also known as premature birth—occurs when a baby is born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. While full-term pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks, preterm birth can pose serious health risks for both the baby and the mother.

In this article, Dr. Puuja Arora Bhatnagar explains the causes, warning signs, and the importance of early intervention in cases of preterm labor.

What is Preterm Delivery?

A preterm delivery happens when labor begins too early, and the baby is born before the pregnancy has reached full maturity. Depending on how early the birth occurs, it is classified as:

• Late Preterm: 34 to 36 weeks
• Moderate Preterm: 32 to 34 weeks
• Very Preterm: Less than 32 weeks
• Extremely Preterm: Less than 28 weeks

Babies born prematurely may need special medical care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and are at a higher risk for complications such as breathing difficulties, infections, and developmental delays.

Common Signs of Preterm Labor

Recognizing the signs early can help in seeking prompt medical care and possibly delaying the delivery. Key symptoms include:

• Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or more frequently)
• Menstrual-like cramps or constant dull backache
• Pelvic pressure or a feeling that the baby is “pushing down”
• Change in vaginal discharge, especially watery, mucus-like, or bloody
• Leaking of fluid from the vagina (which may indicate rupture of membranes)
• Abdominal cramping with or without diarrhea

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Possible Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of preterm labor isn’t always known, several risk factors may increase the chances:

• History of previous preterm birth
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Infections (especially urinary or vaginal infections)
• Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Short cervix or uterine abnormalities
• Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
• Excessive physical stress or trauma
• Poor prenatal care or malnutrition

Prevention and Management

While not all cases of preterm labor can be prevented, certain steps can reduce the risk:

• Regular prenatal visits
• Managing chronic health conditions
• Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs
• Staying hydrated and eating a nutritious diet
• Monitoring symptoms closely, especially if you are at high risk

Preterm delivery is a serious but manageable condition when addressed early. Awareness of the warning signs and risk factors is key to protecting both mother and baby. If you're expecting, staying informed and connected with your healthcare provider can make a significant difference.