EARLY ARRIVAL? Very occasionally, babies decide to make their big entrances several weeks before they are due, in a premature birth! You should not worry unnecessarily about this, but it is useful to know what to look out for if they worry about premature baby. Most women experience “practice” contractions, or Braxton-Hicks, during the final weeks of pregnancy. This sort of tightening of the uterus is not painful, tends to occur irregularly and disappears quickly. It is completely normal and can just be ignored as it is not a sign of premature birth. Real contractions, by contrast, grow increasingly regular, strong and uncomfortable, and closer together. If you are about to have a premature baby, you may also have one or more of the following symptoms:
? Menstrual-like pains and cramping
? Pressure and aches in your groin, thighs, groin or lower back
? Increased vaginal discharge, pinkish or brownish fluid or spotting
Call your midwife or doctor immediately to get it checked out.
For more information about preterm labour and preemie babies click here.