Pre-term labour cannot be totally prevented - but you can do the next best thing. Identifying the signs and symptoms early can help prolong the pregnancy and manage it better. As you are the only person who can be aware of your body's normal activity, you are the right one to identify the earliest signs of pre-term labour.

Remember, it is important to know what is normal for you - as only then will you know how to identify what is not normal.

What is Normal?	What is NOT Normal?
Occasional Uterine Contractions	Regular Uterine Contractions
Backache - as baby grows and causes your posture to change	Rhythmic, Lower Abdominal Cramps
Pressure - as your growing baby presses on your pubic bone and your legs	Persistent, low, dull backache that feels different from what you normally experience
Pulling and Stretching of Muscles - as the uterus grows, it may cause pain	Persistent diarrhea or intestinal cramps
	Unusual rhythmic or persistent pelvic pressure
	A large amount of mucus or water leaking from the vagina
	A change in colour of vaginal discharge to pink or brown

Signs and Symptoms to watch-out for
Here are a few common signs and symptoms associated with pre-term labour. Just keep in mind that any change from your normal patterns and experience could be a sign of alarm.

Uterine Contractions
The uterus (womb) is made up of muscle fibers, and uterine contractions are the tightening of these muscles within the uterus. It is quite normal for contractions to occur throughout pregnancy - these are usually painless and can occur at any time. Certain activities such as changing your position or having a full bladder may also cause you to have a contraction.

Learn how to find out if your contractions are normal - as it would help you differentiate between the potentially dangerous and 'harmless' ones.

Cramps
These could mimic menstrual cramps, and will be felt low in the abdomen, just above the pubic bone. The cramping could be constant or rhythmic, with a wave-like or 'fluttering' pattern.

Backache
A low, dull backache that originates in the lower back and radiates to the sides or front. It may be rhythmic or constant and is not relieved by changing position.

Pelvic Pressure
A feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area along the back and thighs, feeling as though baby is going to "fall out".

Intestinal Cramps
May or may not be accompanied by diarrhea, often mistaken as "gas pains".

Vaginal Discharge
Watch out for a sudden increase or change in the amount or consistency. The consistency may change to mucus or watery. The color may become pink or brown-tinged.

A general feeling that something is not right: even without a specific cause. If you experience any of the above, or if you feel something is different, contact your Doctor immediately.

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