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Preterm Labour - Are You At Risk?

This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:35 AM

Fact Sheet

Labour usually occurs between the 37th to 42nd weeks of pregnancy however if it occurs any earlier it is called preterm (or premature) labour. Preterm labour occurs in about 7 out of every 100 births in Canada and is one of the most common problems in pregnancy.


Symptoms of Preterm Labour

Go to the hospital if you have any of the following symptoms or if something doesn’t feel right:


It is important to seek medical advice no matter what the day or time.


How does preterm labour affect the baby?

The closer a baby is born to the due date, the better it is for the baby’s health. Babies born too early can have problems breathing, eating and may be more susceptible to infections. The main reason these babies have problems is that their body organs are not ready to work all by themselves. Babies born before the 25th week of pregnancy usually do not survive.

It is very important for women to know and understand the symptoms of preterm labour as it sometimes can be stopped or delayed or medicine can be given that can help the baby.


Who is at Risk?

Some women are more likely than others to have preterm labour especially if they are carrying more than one baby. However, there are many things they can do to decrease their risks. Research shows that the more knowledge women have about the risks and signs of preterm labour, the lower the rate of premature births.

Complete the following quiz to find out if you are at risk:

Am I at Risk for Preterm Labour?
(check all the boxes that apply to you)
   

 

 I am not receiving regular prenatal care
   

 

 I have high blood pressure
   

 

 I have a great deal of stress in my life
   

 

 I do not eat healthy meals
   

 

 I am physically abused by my partner or someone else
   

 

 I work long hours (more than 8 a day) or shift work
   

 

 My work is physicaly strenuous and I am standing for long hours
   

 

 I am carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets)
   

 

 I have had a premature baby in the past
   

 

 I weigh less than 45.5 kg (100 pds)
   

 

 I suffer from a chronic illness or have repeated urinary or genital infections
   

 

 I am a smoker
   

 

 I quit smoking but not until after my 32nd week of pregnancy.

If you checked one or more boxes, you are at risk for permature labour and should talk to your doctor about what you can do right now to reduce the risks.

 

Adapted From: Healthy Beginnings. Your Handbook for pregnancy and birth. 1998. Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. Ottawa. Ontario

Source: Carole Milligan, Assistant Director, N.S. Department of Health