Preterm labour

The normal length of pregnancy is between 37 and 42 weeks gestation.

Preterm labour is labour that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm birth is the most common reason babies are admitted to newborn intensive care. Most cases of preterm birth are unexpected, but there are women that are known to be at increased risk. These include women who:

  • Have had a premature birth in the past
  • Are pregnant with twins, triplets, or more
  • Have a history of major surgery to their cervix
  • Were born with a uterus that is a different shape
  • Have a short cervix at their routine 20 week ultrasound
  • Have "broken the waters" before 37 weeks of pregnancy
  • Have vaginal bleeding in second or third trimester of pregnancy

Our clinical service

At Mercy Perinatal's ultrasound-based service, we perform risk assessment with cervical length measurement and discuss preventive strategies for women at risk of preterm birth in collaboration with the primary obstetric carer. We provide transvaginal ultrasound cervical surveillance, quantitative fetal fibronectin measurement, insertion of cervical pessaries, and advice on progesterone therapy and cervical cerclage.

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