What is premature labor?
A pregnant woman with premature labor has begun labor before the 36th week of pregnancy. Premature birth occurs in about 11 percent of pregnancies.

What are the symptoms of premature labor?
Symptoms of premature labor include uterine contractions, which may cause abdominal pain or back pain. Additional symptoms of premature labor may include a sudden gush of clear fluid from the vagina.

How does the doctor treat premature labor?
Treatment for premature labor may include bed rest, corticosteroid medications, antibiotics, and medications to suppress contractions. In some cases, treatment for premature labor may include delivery of the baby. The delivery may be performed by Cesarean section, or medication may be given, in order to stimulate a normal vaginal delivery.