Premature labor with twins

Also called preterm labor, premature labor is when you go into labor and true labor after your 20th week of pregnancy and more than 3 weeks before your due date.

A child born prematurely is much more likely to have health and developmental problems. It is best if your children have time to grow and develop in your womb. That's why it's good for every pregnant woman to know the signs and symptoms of preterm labor.

Recognizing the signs and knowing how to deal with them increases the chances of getting help quickly to stop preterm labor. This will prevent your babies from being born prematurely so they have more time to grow and develop in the womb.

Signs and symptoms of preterm labor

Preterm labor can range from mild to painful symptoms, but there are a few warning signs and symptoms. They include:

Contractions in your uterus every 10 minutes or more often
Tightening or low, dull backache that may be constant or come and go, but changing positions and other comfort measures don't ease it
Menstrual-like cramps or lower abdominal cramping that may feel like gas pains, with or without diarrhea
Increased pressure in your pelvis or vagina
Increased vaginal discharge
Leaking of fluid from the vagina
Vaginal bleeding
Flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Less movement or kicking by your babies

What to do if you have signs of preterm labor

Call your doctor right away if you have:

Leaking of fluid from the vagina
Vaginal bleeding
Sudden increase of vaginal discharge
Check for contractions if you have any of these signs of premature labor:
Menstrual-like or abdominal cramps
Low, dull backache
Pelvic or vaginal pressure

Here's how to check for contractions:

Lie down -- on your left side if you can.
Place your fingertips on your abdomen.
Check to see if you can feel your uterus tightening and softening.
Use a contraction timer or write down the time at the beginning of one contraction and again at the beginning of the next contraction.

Call your doctor if:

You have contractions every 10 minutes or more often that do not go away within an hour after changing your position, relaxing, or drinking 2 to 3 glasses of water.
You have any of the warning signs listed above and they get worse.
Pain is severe and persistent.

If you need to go to the hospital

After discussing the signs of preterm labor, your doctor may recommend that you go to the hospital. Upon arrival, the doctor or nurse:

Check your pulse, blood pressure and temperature
Place the monitor on your abdomen to check your baby's heart rate and uterine contractions.
Check the cervix to see if it is opening.

If your doctor recommends it, you may have a lab smear test called a fetal fibronectin test that tries to predict your risk of having a baby soon.

If you are in preterm labor, you may need treatment, which may include: