What does severe abdominal pain in pregnancy feel like with preterm labour?

Pain linked with preterm labour can be cramping, wave-like, tightening, or pressure low in the abdomen or pelvis. The abdomen may harden and relax, and the episodes may become more regular or stronger. Backache, a change in vaginal discharge, fluid leaking from the vagina, or vaginal bleeding can also occur. Braxton Hicks tightenings are often irregular and may settle with rest, but only an examination can distinguish them reliably.

Contact your maternity unit immediately if you are before term and have severe pain, repeated tightenings, pelvic pressure, fluid loss, or bleeding. Note the timing of tightenings, but do not delay calling while trying to track a pattern. Rest on your side, avoid intercourse until assessed, and follow the maternity team’s instructions about travel and monitoring.

Seek urgent care for severe or continuous pain, regular painful tightenings, suspected waters breaking, bleeding, fever, faintness, or reduced fetal movement. Call emergency services if you have heavy bleeding, collapse, severe breathing difficulty, or cannot reach maternity care safely.

Ask whether your cervix, contractions, and membranes need checking, how your baby is being monitored, what symptoms mean you should return, and which activities are safe while you recover.