Premature Labor
So contractions are starting before you’re due… What should you do?
In MANY cases, women experience early contractions that are triggered by stress/being too active or dehydration. The best advice I have for moms, when you feel contractions that are not typical of braxton hicks and are earlier than they should be:
- Empty your bladder
- Lay down or put your feet up - or take a warm bath or shower and then put your feet up
- Drink water - 32 oz. or thereabouts
- and call your doctor if contractions occur every 10 minutes or if symptoms do not subside in about an hour.
The cramps may feel like menstrual cramps, and/or a low/dull backache, and you’ll likely feel pelvic pressure. Contraction feeling varies between woman to woman - what did your labor contractions feel like?
Premature labor is real for some women, so pay attention to your bodies and call your care provider if you feel you are actually in labor.
If your water breaks, you experience vaginal bleeding, become dizzy, have a fever, see spots, have sudden swelling or unexplained pain, contact your care provider right away.