Can false labour feel like real labour?

Yes. Especially if it’s your first pregnancy. But real labour gets progressively intense and doesn’t ease with rest or movement.

Can stress alone cause premature labour?

Extreme or prolonged stress may increase the risk, but it's never a single factor. Support and care can make a big difference.

Will my baby be okay if born early?

Most babies born after 34 weeks do very well with care. Even those born earlier thrive with NICU support. Every day they stay in the womb adds strength.

Preterm Labour Signs: When to Call Your Doctor

Most pregnancies last 38 to 42 weeks. If a baby is born before 37 weeks, doctors say it’s a “premature birth.” The earlier a baby is born, the more help they might need, not just to breathe or eat, but to settle into a world they weren’t quite ready for. But remember, early doesn’t mean weak. Tiny ones surprise us all the time.

Why Does Premature Labour Happen?

Sometimes, no one knows. You could be eating right, attending every check-up, sleeping early, and yet, your baby decides it’s time. It happens.

Still, there are a few known risk factors:

If you’ve had an early birth before
High blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy
Low nutritional intake or general poor health
Certain untreated infections
Smoking, alcohol or substance use
Carrying twins or more
Excess stress or emotional trauma
Bleeding or issues with the womb or cervix

Sometimes, doctors decide to deliver the baby early. Maybe the baby isn’t growing right, or your blood pressure is too high. Either way, it’s a carefully made decision, one made to protect you and the baby. But don’t worry if you’re in one of these groups. Many people with “risks” go full-term. And many with “none” deliver early.

Know About Real Contraction

After about 20 weeks, many people feel a strange little belly squeeze. They’re odd. Sometimes it is a little painful. But they go away. These are Braxton Hicks contractions, your body’s practice run. So how do you tell practice from the real thing? If you’re not sure? That’s okay. Nobody gets a gold star for guessing contractions right. Call your doctor. That’s what they’re there for.
Look out for these:

Braxton Hicks (False Labour):

Come once or twice an hour
Don’t increase in pain
Go away when you change positions
Usually under 60 seconds

Real Labour:

Get stronger and closer together
Continue no matter what you do
Usually felt in the lower back, pelvis, and stomach
Last longer and grow more intense

Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

Sometimes, your body sends signals. And those need your full attention. If you see these signs, tell a grown-up or get help quickly. Don’t wait around. They're the “put down the broom, call someone now” kind. Call your doctor or midwife immediately if you're under 37 weeks and experience:

A dull lower back ache that won’t go away
Pelvic pressure, like the baby pressing downward
Contractions happening more than 4 times an hour
Fluid or blood from the vagina
Period-like cramps
Diarrhoea or vomiting that feels off
Swelling in the hands, feet, or face
Blurred or double vision
Baby’s movement slows down or stops

What Happens at the Hospital?

First, don’t go alone. When no one is around to drive you somewhere important, you should visit the nearby hospital or someone you know. Safety first.
A Caesarean may be suggested if there’s bleeding or signs the baby’s in distress, but many people still deliver vaginally, even during premature labour.
At the hospital, here’s what usually happens:

They’ll check your cervix; is it thinning or opening?
You may get a test for fetal fibronectin, which helps predict if labour will continue soon
A CTG machine helps doctors listen to the baby’s heartbeat and see when your tummy is having squeezes (contractions)
If you're less than 34 weeks, you may receive medicines to slow down labour and help the baby's lungs mature (via steroid injections)
If it’s past 34 weeks, doctors might let the baby come on its own. That means the baby can be born without stopping labour

What Does It Feel Like?

Nobody talks about this part enough. One minute you’re just getting into the third trimester, and the next, you’re in a ward surrounded by wires, doctors, and NICU buzzers.
You may feel:

Frightened for your baby’s health
Helpless in a very medical, very unfamiliar space
Guilty, even when you know you didn’t cause this
Alone, especially if your partner or family can’t be there
Confused about what just happened

Sometimes, Complications Let You Know Early

This baby will be born before term. If that’s true, here’s what you can do to get ready:

Talk to your doctor about visiting the NICU, just to familiarise yourself
Speak to family or neighbours about support, cooking, housework, or watching older children
Don’t be afraid to adjust your birth plan. If you were hoping for a home birth, it’s okay to shift gears
Listen to calming music, journal, or pray, whatever helps centre your mind
Stay connected to your baby emotionally. Talk to them, imagine holding them. That love matters

It’s okay to feel worried if something doesn’t feel right. If you think you might be having your baby early, it’s always okay to call your doctor. They’re there to help you and your baby. Many babies who are born early grow up healthy and strong. You are doing your best, and that’s more than enough.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Preterm Labour Signs: When to Call Your Doctor

Can false labour feel like real labour?
Yes. Especially if it’s your first pregnancy. But real labour gets progressively intense and doesn’t ease with rest or movement.
Can stress alone cause premature labour?
Extreme or prolonged stress may increase the risk, but it's never a single factor. Support and care can make a big difference.
Will my baby be okay if born early?
Most babies born after 34 weeks do very well with care. Even those born earlier thrive with NICU support. Every day they stay in the womb adds strength.