What should you know about preterm labour weeks?

Clinicians use gestational age alongside contractions, cervical change, membrane status, bleeding, infection concerns and fetal wellbeing. Earlier in pregnancy, the team may focus on gaining time for specialist review and preparing for neonatal care. At later gestations, the balance between delaying birth and delivering can be different.

An antenatal corticosteroid injection may be offered when early birth is possible, depending on your circumstances and the expected timing of birth. A cervical cerclage may be discussed in selected cases involving an opening cervix, but it is not appropriate for every person with contractions.

Contact your maternity service if you develop regular tightenings, pelvic pressure, unusual discharge, bleeding, backache or fluid loss before your due date. Bring your pregnancy notes and tell the team how many weeks pregnant you are, when symptoms began and whether fetal movement has changed.

Assessment may include monitoring, examination, urine or blood tests and checks for infection or ruptured membranes. Ask whether you need care in a hospital with neonatal facilities and what changes would prompt a new plan.

Seek urgent maternity care for suspected waters breaking, bleeding, regular painful contractions, fever, chills, severe pain or reduced fetal movement. Call emergency services if you have heavy bleeding, feel faint or severely unwell, or think birth is imminent.

Ask how your gestational age changes the treatment options, whether your cervix or membranes have changed, what each medicine is for, and whether a neonatal team should speak with you. Request clear instructions for returning if symptoms recur.