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Pre-labor consists of the early signs before labor starts. It is the body's preparation for real labor. Prodromal labor has been misnamed as “false labor." Prodromal labor begins much as traditional labor but does not progress to the birth of the baby. Not everyone feels this stage of labor, though it does always occur.
Symptoms of preterm labor include uterine contractions which occur more often than every ten minutes and/or the leaking of fluid from the vagina before 37 weeks. [11] [12] Premature infants are at greater risk for cerebral palsy, delays in development, hearing problems and problems with their vision. [1]
Braxton Hicks contractions are often confused for labor. Braxton Hicks contractions allow the pregnant woman's body to prepare for labor. [1] However, the presence of Braxton Hicks contractions does not mean a woman is in labor or even that labor is about to commence. [1] Another common cause of pain in pregnancy is round ligament pain. Table 1.
The mucus plug may become dislodged days before labour begins or not until the start of labour. [38] While inside the uterus the baby is enclosed in a fluid-filled membrane called the amniotic sac. Shortly before, at the beginning of, or during labour the sac ruptures.
Diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms and speculum exam and may be supported by testing the vaginal fluid or by ultrasound. [2] If it occurs before 37 weeks it is known as PPROM (preterm prelabor rupture of membranes) otherwise it is known as term PROM. [2]
Placental abruption is when the placenta separates early from the uterus, in other words separates before childbirth. [2] It occurs most commonly around 25 weeks of pregnancy. [2] Symptoms may include vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and dangerously low blood pressure. [1]
Ultrasound may pick up the condition before labor. [1] If detected during delivery, management includes trying to unwrap the cord or if this is not possible clamping and cutting the cord. [2] Delivery can typically take place as normal and outcomes are generally good. [5] [1] Rarely long term brain damage or cerebral palsy may occur.
Bloody show or show is the passage of a small amount of blood or blood-tinged mucus through the vagina near the end of pregnancy.It is caused by thinning and dilation of the cervix, leading to detachment of the cervical mucus plug that seals the cervix during pregnancy and tearing of small cervical blood vessels, [1] and is one of the signs that labor may be imminent. [2]