Signs of Early Labor at 31 Weeks

Preterm labour is labour that begins before pregnancy reaches full term. Contractions may feel like menstrual cramps or a repeated hardening of the abdomen. Pressure low in the pelvis, a constant dull backache, increased discharge, or a gush or trickle of fluid can occur as the cervix changes. A small amount of mucus may be harmless, but bleeding or watery discharge should be reported. Symptoms can be subtle, and an examination is needed to tell true labour from temporary uterine tightening.

Stop strenuous activity, note when tightenings start and how far apart they are, and contact your maternity unit or obstetric team straight away. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, have heavy bleeding, or pain is severe. Avoid placing anything in the vagina until a clinician advises you. The team may check your cervix, the baby’s wellbeing, and whether your waters have broken. Depending on the findings, care may include monitoring, medicines to slow contractions, or an antenatal steroid injection to support fetal lung development.

Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, difficulty breathing, or a strong urge to push. Call your maternity unit immediately for regular contractions, fluid leakage, reduced fetal movement, or persistent pelvic pressure and back pain. Do not wait for symptoms to become intense; labour can progress without dramatic pain.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest cervical change, how fetal movement should be monitored, and which warning signs require returning to hospital. You can also ask whether an antenatal steroid injection is appropriate and whether a cervical cerclage has any relevance to your history.