Final answer:
Pregnant women should recognize preterm labor symptoms, including regular contractions that intensify over time and do not ease with rest or hydration, the 'bloody show,' and fever or flu-like symptoms. These signs, especially before the 37th week, may necessitate immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
All pregnant women should be aware of the warning symptoms of preterm labor. These symptoms can include:
- Regular contractions that do not stop with hydration or rest. True labor consists of regular contractions that become more frequent and intense over time.
- The so-called "bloody show" is a sign that labor may soon begin. It occurs when the mucus plug blocking the cervical canal loosens and is expelled with a bit of blood, typically 1–2 days before true labor begins.
- Fever and flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and muscle aches, which may suggest an infection that can lead to more serious complications.
These symptoms, especially when occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy, may indicate preterm labor. Other signs of labor initiation towards the late stages of pregnancy include rising uterine irritability due to decreasing progesterone levels and stretching forces from the growing fetus. Contractions work to dilate the cervix to facilitate the delivery of the newborn, followed by the delivery of the placenta and fetal membranes.