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Preterm labor is labor that starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. It can lead to premature birth. Premature babies may face serious health risks.

Symptoms of preterm labor include

• Contractions every 10 minutes or more often
• Leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina
• Feeling of pressure in the pelvis
• Low, dull backache
• Cramps that feel like menstrual cramps
• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

If you think you might be having preterm labor, contact your health care provider.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development