Mama Sandy
11-09-2009, 10:09 PM
Posting this a tiny bit early...
Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labour
It’s not always easy for a woman to tell if she is having preterm labour. Many of the signs of preterm labour can feel the same as some of the normal things that happen in the second half of pregnancy. However, there are important signs to watch for, especially if they are new or different from before.
Signs and symptoms of preterm labour
Bad cramps or stomach pains that don’t go away
Bleeding, trickle or gush of fluid from your vagina
Lower back pain/pressure, or change in lower backache
A feeling that the baby is pushing down
Contractions, or change in the strength or number of them
An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge
Some women may just feel that “something is not right”
You may also need medical care if you have
Fever, chills, dizziness, vomiting or a bad headache
Blurry vision or spots before your eyes
Sudden or severe swelling of your feet, hands or face
A significant change in your baby’s movement
*** Preterm labour contractions feel different from the normal tightenings that many women feel in the second half of their pregnancy. ***
They may feel more regular
They do not go away if you move around or lie down
There may be other signs that happen with the contractions, such as fluid leaking form the vagina or pelvic pressure
What you should do if you think you are in preterm labour
If you have any of the signs of preterm labour, GO TO THE HOSPITAL RIGHT AWAY! You can call your own doctor or midwife once you get to the hospital.
If you cannot drive yourself, ask someone else to drive you. If you cannot get to the hospital right away, call the birthing unit of your hospital for advice.
Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labour
It’s not always easy for a woman to tell if she is having preterm labour. Many of the signs of preterm labour can feel the same as some of the normal things that happen in the second half of pregnancy. However, there are important signs to watch for, especially if they are new or different from before.
Signs and symptoms of preterm labour
Bad cramps or stomach pains that don’t go away
Bleeding, trickle or gush of fluid from your vagina
Lower back pain/pressure, or change in lower backache
A feeling that the baby is pushing down
Contractions, or change in the strength or number of them
An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge
Some women may just feel that “something is not right”
You may also need medical care if you have
Fever, chills, dizziness, vomiting or a bad headache
Blurry vision or spots before your eyes
Sudden or severe swelling of your feet, hands or face
A significant change in your baby’s movement
*** Preterm labour contractions feel different from the normal tightenings that many women feel in the second half of their pregnancy. ***
They may feel more regular
They do not go away if you move around or lie down
There may be other signs that happen with the contractions, such as fluid leaking form the vagina or pelvic pressure
What you should do if you think you are in preterm labour
If you have any of the signs of preterm labour, GO TO THE HOSPITAL RIGHT AWAY! You can call your own doctor or midwife once you get to the hospital.
If you cannot drive yourself, ask someone else to drive you. If you cannot get to the hospital right away, call the birthing unit of your hospital for advice.