When regular contractions occur between 20 and 37 weeks into pregnancy that cause the cervix to open in preparation for birth, the result is preterm labor. Preterm labor does not always result in preterm birth and doctors will do whatever they can to stop or slow down labor before 37 weeks, which is considered full-term. Signs of preterm labor can include: -Frequent or regular feelings of abdominal sensations, known as cramping. -Constant feeling of a low, dull pain in the back. -Feeling of pressure on the pelvis or lower abdomen. -Mild cramps in the abdomen. -Light bleeding or spotting. -A watery, bloody or mucus-like vaginal discharge. -Rupture of the membranes, either as a continuous trickle or a gush due to a break or tear of the membrane surrounding the baby. If you experience any of these symptoms and feel that you are concerned you may be experiencing preterm labor, contact your doctor or midwife right away for directions on what you should do. They may want you to get checked out to determine if you are in fact experiencing preterm labor or if it is just a false alarm.