What are the symptoms of premature birth?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on April 12, 2025
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Premature birth refers to delivery occurring between 28 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy. The symptoms of premature birth primarily include the following aspects: First, regular uterine contractions occur. These contractions can lead to the descent of the fetal head and exert pressure on the cervix, which is necessary for the delivery of the fetus. It generally manifests as pain every three to five minutes, with each episode of pain lasting more than one minute, and both the frequency and intensity of the pain gradually increasing. Second, the appearance of "bloody show" occurs. As the fetus descends, it can cause the rupture of capillaries at the edge of the membranes, leading to bloody show. Third, there is a noticeable feeling of heaviness or pressure. Gynecological examinations can reveal dilation of the cervix and shortening of the cervical canal. When these symptoms appear, an assessment for premature birth should be conducted, and preparations for premature delivery should be made.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Preterm labor signs

Premature birth refers to delivery between 28 to 36 weeks plus 6 days of pregnancy. Due to the lower body weight and immature organ development of the fetus, premature birth can lead to decreased survival rates and increased morbidity in newborns. The signs of impending premature birth include the following aspects: First, the occurrence of regular contractions, which are the most common sign of premature birth. If intermittent lower abdominal pain occurs, it should be taken seriously, and fetal heart rate monitoring may be necessary for assessment. Second, the appearance of blood in the vaginal discharge often indicates that the fetal presenting part is descending, which is also a sign of premature birth. Third, a physical examination may reveal shortening of the cervical canal and dilation of the cervix, suggesting the possibility of premature birth. When these conditions occur, they should be taken seriously, and medication may be necessary for treatment. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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What are the signs of premature birth?

Preterm birth refers to delivery occurring between the 28th and 36th week +6 days of pregnancy. Firstly, it is advised to prioritize prevention and identify the symptoms of preterm labor as early as possible to allow for early treatment. Signs of preterm labor include the following aspects: First, the occurrence of regular contractions, such as 4 contractions within 20 minutes or 8 contractions within 60 minutes, with each contraction lasting more than a minute; second, the appearance of a small amount of bloody show, which is a sign of imminent labor; third, many times pregnant women will experience a significant feeling of heaviness. Upon examination, cervical dilation and a shortening of the cervical canal may be found. When these symptoms appear, it is important to rest in bed promptly and undergo treatment with medications.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How to care for premature infants

The care of premature babies is very important. Since the physical resistance of premature babies is weaker than that of full-term infants, premature babies generally need to be placed in incubators to maintain body temperature. If an incubator is not available, methods such as using a hot water bottle for warmth can be employed, or putting cotton hats on the babies. During feeding, breastfeeding is an option. For very small babies who have poor sucking ability or uncoordinated swallowing functions, or for babies who are ill, the mother can express her milk, which can then be fed to the baby via a tube through the nose. Artificial feeding is also an option.

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Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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How is preterm birth defined?

Premature birth means that the gestational period is not yet complete, and the baby is born before reaching full term, which is called preterm birth. Specifically, this ranges from more than 28 weeks but less than 37 weeks of gestation. Due to the incomplete development of premature infants, their organ functions are relatively poor. Therefore, caring for premature infants can be more challenging, often requiring pediatric care and enhanced nursing. Moreover, there are more complications, so it is important to try to prevent premature births as much as possible.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How many weeks early can a premature baby survive?

Preterm birth refers to births that occur after 28 weeks of pregnancy but before 37 weeks. Preterm infants have lower resistance compared to full-term infants and generally require special care to survive. The survival rate varies with the gestational age: at 32 to 33 weeks, the survival rate can reach 95%; at 28 to 31 weeks, it is between 90% and 95%; at 26 weeks, it is around 80%; and at 27 weeks, it is about 90%. After 34 weeks of pregnancy, the survival rate of the baby is very high, almost the same as that of a full-term baby.