What is a sign of preterm labor?

Regular uterine contractions before 37 weeks is a definitive sign of preterm labor. This condition is significant because labor that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation can lead to premature birth, which poses various risks to the infant, such as respiratory issues, developmental delays, and other complications. In preterm labor, the frequency and regularity of contractions increase, leading to cervical changes, which are crucial indicators that labor may begin soon. Identifying this sign early allows for timely medical intervention, which may help in managing the situation and improving outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

In contrast, infrequent back pain, minimal cramping with no pressure, and increased fetal movement are not necessarily signs of preterm labor. While back pain can occur during pregnancy, it does not reliably indicate the onset of labor when it is infrequent. Similarly, cramping without accompanying pressure might occur for many benign reasons unrelated to labor, and increased fetal movement is typically a positive sign indicating fetal well-being rather than a precursor to labor.