Checklist: Is it Early Labor?

Just over 10 percent of babies are born pre-term (before 37 weeks). The good news: Early labor can sometimes be stopped with a combo of meds and bed rest. Be on the lookout for these warning signs so you can call your doc ASAP if you think there's a problem.

By Kelly King Alexander

___ Blood or fluid leaking from your vagina, or a change in your discharge (if it looks brownish, it could be the mucous plug, which protects your cervix during pregnancy). Call your doctor right away if you have this symptom; your water may have broken.

___ Contractions (they feel like your stomach's making a firm fist) with or without pain. Call your doctor if they strike every 10 minutes or more frequently. Braxton Hicks contractions are common now, too, but they come and go more randomly.

___ Period-like cramps (with or without -- yuck -- diarrhea)

___ Pelvic pressure (it feels like the baby's shifted downward)

___ A low, dull backache

What to do:

___ Lie down and try to relax (it's probably a false alarm, and freaking out wont help).

___ Drink a couple glasses of water or juice, which can ease cramping if its false labor and not the real deal.

___ If your pain gets worse or doesn't dissipate after an hour, call your doc or head for the hospital.

___ If symptoms do go away, take it easy for the rest of the day. (Get yourself to a steamy tub and ring up your favorite takeout joint for dinner -- doctor's orders!)

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All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.