What happens if preterm labour is not treated?

Preterm labour involves regular contractions with changes to the cervix before term. If it continues, birth can happen earlier than planned. A baby born early may need help with breathing, feeding, keeping warm or fighting infection, depending on how early birth occurs. The pregnant person may also face complications related to infection, bleeding or the waters breaking early. Not every episode of tightening becomes established labour: Braxton Hicks Contractions are often irregular and do not progressively open the cervix.

Assessment helps the maternity team check whether labour is progressing, whether the membranes have ruptured, and how the baby is coping. The aim may be to delay birth when safe, prepare the baby for early birth, or arrange delivery when continuing the pregnancy is unsafe.

Call your maternity unit immediately if you have regular tightenings, pelvic pressure, new backache, bleeding or fluid leaking from the vagina. The team may examine the cervix, monitor contractions and the baby's heartbeat, and test urine or vaginal fluid. Depending on findings and pregnancy stage, care may include fluids, medicine to slow contractions, an Antenatal Steroid Injection to support fetal lung development, antibiotics, or transfer to a unit with newborn care.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for waters breaking, regular painful contractions, vaginal bleeding, fever, reduced fetal movement or severe abdominal pain. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, are bleeding heavily or have severe pain. A Cervical Cerclage may be considered in selected situations involving the cervix, but it is not suitable for every episode of suspected labour.

Ask whether your cervix is changing, whether your membranes are intact, what treatment could delay birth, where your baby would receive care if born early, and which symptoms require an immediate return.