Prematurity Awareness month

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, making it a good time to share information about preventing premature labor. It’s also a good time to support moms who give birth prematurely.

Some babies are born weeks or months early, which can be stressful and scary. Many premature babies (preemies) do well, especially those born closer to their due dates. But some preemies have long-lasting problems, such as cerebral palsy or learning problems. It’s not always possible to avoid an early birth, but it’s important to know the signs of premature labor and what helps lower the risk.

The signs of premature labor

Labor that starts before your 37th week of pregnancy is called premature or early labor. That’s three weeks before your due date. Treatment may help slow or stop early labor.

Call your doctor or health clinic right away if you have any of these signs before your 37th week of pregnancy:

• Dull ache, pressure, or pain in your lower back
• Period-like cramps
• Pressure in your pelvis that feels like the baby is pushing down
• Cramps in your intestines, with or without diarrhea
• Any change in the usual discharge from your vagina, especially if it’s thick, watery, or bloody
• Bad headache, blurry vision, flashes in your vision, or bad heartburn. These can be symptoms of a complication called preeclampsia.
• The baby seems to be moving less than usual and you feel fewer than 10 movements an hour

Reducing your chances for early labor and preterm birth

Getting regular checkups and not smoking during pregnancy are two important ways to lower the chances of premature labor. Also, studies show women who wait at least 18
months between pregnancies are less likely to give birth early.