Signs of early labour at 34 weeks

Other signs include period-like cramps, pelvic pressure, an unusual backache, a change in vaginal discharge or a repeated urge to open your bowels. Symptoms can be mild or intermittent, so call even if you are unsure whether labour has begun.

Preterm labour means labour starting before the pregnancy reaches term. Tightenings alone do not confirm it: the maternity team considers their pattern and whether the cervix is changing. They also check for ruptured membranes, infection, bleeding and fetal wellbeing.

Assessment may include your temperature, pulse and blood pressure, monitoring of contractions and the baby's heartbeat, urine or swab tests, and an examination when suitable. The findings determine whether you can return home with advice, need observation or should be admitted for care.

Contact maternity triage or your labour ward straight away. Describe when symptoms began, how often tightenings occur, whether fluid or blood is present and how your baby is moving. Put on a pad if fluid may be leaking; do not use a tampon or have sex while waiting for advice.

If asked to attend, bring maternity notes and your medication list. Treatment depends on the assessment and may include medicine intended to help the baby's lungs prepare for an early birth, medication for contractions in selected circumstances, antibiotics when indicated, or transfer to a unit with suitable newborn care.

Do not wait for symptoms to become intense. Call immediately for a gush or ongoing trickle of fluid, vaginal bleeding, regular painful contractions, marked pelvic pressure, or reduced or altered fetal movements. Call local emergency services for heavy bleeding, severe constant pain, collapse, breathing difficulty, an urge to push or concern that birth is imminent.

Ask whether the cervix or membranes show evidence of labour, how the baby is responding and what monitoring is planned. If treatment is proposed, ask what it is intended to do, what side effects to expect, where ongoing care would happen and which changes should be reported immediately.