Preterm labor is a kind of a labor situation in which pregnant women notice unusual uterine contractions after about 30 weeks of pregnancy. These contractions are commonly referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions and they are generally painless and normal. These contractions occur when a pregnant woman has just done some physical work and may stop on taking rest.
One is considered to be in preterm labor when the uterine contractions occur every ten minutes as well as on cervical changes prior to 37 weeks gestation. There are many ways to know if a pregnant woman is experiencing preterm labor. The following are the major preterm labor symptoms at 30 weeks:
Symptoms and Signs
- A clear sign of preterm labor at 30 weeks of pregnancy is an increase in vaginal discharge and in many cases a sudden gush of clear watery fluid from the vagina of a pregnant woman.
- Another sign of preterm labor is spotting or bright red blood from the vagina of the pregnant woman.
- Many pregnant women who are experiencing preterm labor also experience menstrual-like cramping or more than about 5 contractions in 60 minutes.
- In some cases, preterm labor may also result in an increase in the pressure in the pelvic area of a pregnant woman.
- A sign of preterm labor in pregnant women at 30 weeks is a pain in the lower back area or an experience of pressure in the back region.
- Changes in the nature of the lower back pain or ache are yet another sign of preterm labor.
- Women with preterm labor may also experience swelling or puffiness in either the hands or the face.
- Painful urination is also a common symptom of preterm labor. This painful urination may be a sign of an infection in the urinary tract, kidney or the bladder.
- Another sign is acute vomiting or even continuous vomiting in some cases.
- Intense pelvic pressure is also another symptom of preterm labor in 30-week pregnant women.
Risk Factors of Preterm Labor in Pregnant Women
- Smoking or alcohol use during pregnancy is a risk factor for preterm labor.
- Drug abuse or inadequate weight gain during pregnancy is another risk factor for preterm labor.
- Some other risk factors are inadequate nutrition, heavy physical labor, infection, hormonal imbalance, uterine irritability, and placenta previa.
- Even extreme emotional illness can be a risk factor.
