Condition
Preterm Birth: Warning Signs and Reducing Your Risk
Preterm birth means delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Knowing the signs of preterm labor and your risk factors helps you act early, which can make a real difference. This page explains the warning signs and how Materna supports you, in Spanish and English. It is educational, not medical advice.
Call now if before 37 weeks you have
- Regular contractions or tightening, more than four to six in an hour
- A low, dull backache that does not go away
- Pelvic pressure, like the baby is pushing down
- A gush or steady leak of fluid, or any vaginal bleeding
These can be signs of preterm labor. Call your clinician or go to labor and delivery.
What is preterm birth?
A baby born before 37 weeks is preterm. Preterm babies may need extra care, so the goal is to spot preterm labor early and, when possible, slow it down or prepare for a safer delivery.
Who is at higher risk?
Risk is higher with a previous preterm birth, carrying twins or more, certain infections, a short cervix, smoking, and some chronic conditions. Your clinician may recommend extra monitoring or treatment if you are at higher risk.
How Materna helps
Materna watches for risk between visits, makes a bilingual 24/7 nurse line one tap away, and connects you to maternal-fetal medicine when needed. Spanish-first and Medicaid-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the signs of preterm labor?
- Regular contractions, a constant low backache, pelvic pressure, fluid leaking, or bleeding before 37 weeks can all be signs. Call your clinician right away if you notice them.
- Can preterm birth be prevented?
- Not always, but early action helps. For some people at risk, treatments like progesterone or cervical care can lower the chance. Ask your clinician what fits you.
- Does Materna accept Medicaid?
- Yes. Materna works with Medicaid and managed-care plans in Arizona, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania, and care is free for patients.
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