Premature Labour Carrying a baby in your womb for nine whole months seems a long time. But this is the time the foetus needs to develop into that perfect bundle of joy that emerges in the delivery room. While some babies are content to linger in the security of their mothers wombs, others seem to be in a rush to get out into the world. These premature babies soon discover that nature has ordained a nine month gestation period for a reason. They are often not physically mature enough at birth and are sometimes born with health complications as a result of the fact that they have not developed fully.
Premature labour is one of the most common complications of pregnancy.
The onset of premature labour is marked by menstrual-like cramps, clenching of the stomach muscles, dull ache in the lower back, pressure in the lower back, pelvis, abdomen and thighs, and intestinal cramping. The causes of preterm labour have been difficult to identify. Once a woman goes into premature labour, the doctors are in a dilemma whether to stop the labour or allow it to continue. They have to weigh the risks to the health of the mother as well as the well-being of the baby in the balance. Obviously, the ideal situation would be if the mother could carry the baby to term so that the foetus can mature in its natural environment.