Preterm birth, which happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy, can start suddenly, and the reasons are often unknown.

If you think you are going into labour early, contact your hospital or healthcare provider right away. Your midwife⍰ or hospital will check whether your waters have broken, if you are in labour, or if there is an infection. These checks might include a vaginal exam⍰, blood and urine tests, and monitoring your baby’s heartbeat. They need to assess both your condition and your baby’s to decide the best care and discuss your preferences with you.

Your doctor or midwife will explain everything, offering treatments like steroids to help your baby's lungs or medications to slow labour, depending on your situation. If you have had a preterm birth before, they may also suggest preventive measures, such as hormone treatments or cervical stitches.

Preterm delivery is quite different from giving birth at full term. People often think a C-section is needed for preterm births, but this is not true in every case. The decision between a vaginal birth and a C-section depends on your situation, so it is important to talk with your healthcare team about the pros and cons of each option. Preterm births usually involve more doctors, nurses, and specialists to look after you and your baby (or babies), as there are more risks. This can make the experience feel unfamiliar or even a bit overwhelming.

The delivery room may feel tense because the baby might need urgent care after birth. However, parents should be given some time to connect with their baby, even if it is just a short time to hold them or if that is not possible, spend time with them while they are already in the incubator⍰. This is a special and important moment, even in difficult circumstances.