Preterm birth: symptoms and assessment
Contact your maternity team immediately for regular contractions, leaking fluid or unusual backache before 37 completed weeks. Assessment depends on the cause and pregnancy stage.
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Do not wait when symptoms appear
Before 37 completed weeks, promptly contact your maternity team for regular tightenings, period-like pain, new backache or leaking fluid. Trying to diagnose practice contractions at home or waiting for a particular interval is unsafe. Report bleeding and reduced baby movements too; if the team is unavailable, seek emergency care.
What does preterm birth mean?
Birth before 37 completed weeks is preterm. It may start spontaneously or be planned when birth is safer than continuing the pregnancy. The cause is not always identifiable, and it is not a maternal failure. The baby’s needs depend on gestation, weight and health.
Assessment in hospital
The team assesses contractions, membrane rupture, possible infection and the baby’s condition. Examination, heartbeat monitoring, blood or urine tests or other suitable checks may be needed. Not every contraction leads to birth, but symptoms alone cannot establish this at home. Previous preterm births, cervical procedures and multiple pregnancy are relevant.
Questions about the care plan
- Is delaying birth safe now? Delivery may be safer with conditions such as infection or bleeding.
- Are treatments supporting the baby’s lungs or nervous system suitable for me? These are selected by clinicians according to gestation and circumstances.
- Can the required neonatal care be provided here, or might transfer be needed? Do not assume a unit’s capacity.
When to seek care again
Even after discharge, seek immediate reassessment for new or increasing pain, fever, foul-smelling fluid, bleeding or reduced movements. A reassuring check does not make later symptoms unimportant. Call 112 for heavy bleeding, fainting, a seizure or severe breathlessness rather than waiting for routine follow-up.
Information sources
These sources support general information; they do not confirm our hospital’s services or clinical approval.
This information is general and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your own situation with your healthcare team.
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