Preterm birth team

The Preterm Birth Clinic runs in the Antenatal Clinic at UHNM on Tuesdays by the Preterm Birth Consultant, Mr Young. 

There are a number of reasons why you may be referred to the Preterm Birth Clinic:

• You have previously had a baby born before 34 weeks gestation.
• Your waters have previously broken before 34 weeks in your pregnancy (PPROM, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes).
• You have previously had surgery on your cervix.
• Your womb is a different shape than expected.
• You have previously experienced a late miscarriage between 16 and 24 weeks gestation.
• You previously had a caesarean section birth when your cervix was fully dilated

You will meet with the consultant who will discuss your risks for preterm birth.

You may be offered a transvaginal ultrasound scan to measure the length of your cervix. This scan involves a probe being inserted into the vagina and requires an empty bladder. Please get in touch with your community midwife if you wish to discuss this further.

Please seek advice by contacting the 24-hour helpline number for the Maternity Assessment Unit on 01782 672300 if you have any possible signs of premature labour:

• Contractions, tightenings or period-type pains.
• A “show” – when the plug of mucus that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy comes away and out of the vagina.
• A gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina – this could be your waters breaking early (PPROM).
• Backache that’s not usual for you.

We are proud to have launched PERIPrem in July 2024. PERIPrem is a unique perinatal care bundle of 11 interventions that demonstrate a significant impact on brain injury and mortality rates amongst babies born prematurely. PERIPrem also forges new ways of working, where clinicians from obstetrics, midwifery and neonatal join together to drive forward and revolutionise care for pre-term babies.

More information can be found on the following link: The PERIPrem care bundle - Health Innovation West of England (healthinnowest.net)

Signs and symptoms of preterm labour

Introduction

This leaflet will explain and help you recognise the signs and symptoms of ‘threatened preterm labour’ and how to get in touch with the hospital.  If after reading the information you have any further questions, please speak to one of the team.

What is preterm labour?

This is the term used when you experience symptoms, such as contractions     before you are 37 weeks pregnant and may lead to your baby being born prematurely (early).  

What are the signs and symptoms of preterm labour?    
If you have any of the following symptoms you could be in labour.  Please call the Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) straight away on 24-hour helpline number 01782 672300.

•    Any contractions or tightening’s.
•    Abdominal cramping or pain.
•    Pressure in your vaginal area.
•    A “show” – when the plug of mucous that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy comes away and out of the vagina.
•    Backache that’s not usual for you. 
•    A gush of fluid or trickle of fluid from your vagina – this could be your waters breaking.
Preterm labour may feel similar to normal labour, or it may be faster or less painful, particularly if you are very preterm.

Call the hospital straight away if:
•    You are bleeding.
•    Your baby is moving less than usual.
•    Your waters have broken, and they are smelly or coloured.
.

Braxton hicks

Many women and birthing people experience Braxton Hicks, sometimes known as practice contractions.  These can become quite strong during the third trimester (after 28 weeks) and it is easy to mistake them for the real thing.  If you are having painful contractions, please get these checked out at the hospital.

Further information:
     
Tommy’s Pregnancy Hub: Preterm Birth     
NHS England: Preterm Birth     
NICE Guidance: Preterm Birth