What it means
Used for labor or birth that happens before 37 weeks. Preterm labor is regular contractions that open the cervix before 37 weeks. A preterm infant may have trouble breathing, keeping warm, feeding and fighting infection, and the earlier the birth, the more support the baby needs. Babies born between 34 and 36 weeks are called late preterm.
For the nurse
Teach pregnant clients the warning signs of preterm labor: regular tightening or cramps, low back ache, pelvic pressure, and a change in vaginal discharge or fluid leaking. They should call their provider right away.
At a glance
| Spanish | pretérmino |
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Related terms
premature
Happening before the expected or normal time, such as a baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
large for gestational age
Describes a newborn who weighs more than 90 out of 100 babies born after the same number of weeks of pregnancy.
infancy
The first year of life, from birth to about 12 months of age.