Signs of Preterm Labor

Babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy are considered preterm and may need care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery.

A pregnant woman who experiences these symptoms before the 37th week of pregnancy, particularly two or more of them, should alert her doctor:

Contractions—10 minutes or less apart, may be painless.

Low, dull backache.

Clear, pink or brownish leaking from your vagina.

Cramps similar to menstrual cramps, with or without diarrhea.

A feeling like the baby is pushing down low in your pelvis.