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Think positive. Be proactive. Stay pregnant.

Keep ‘Em Cookin’ is an educational organization that gives pregnant people the greatest opportunity to prevent preterm birth by providing them with current information on high-risk pregnancy and by connecting them with an online community of other people facing a difficult pregnancy.

Prevention & Treatment

Your chances of delivering your baby safely at term are highest when you know your options for preventing preterm birth.

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Causes of Preterm Labor

There are more than 25 causes of preterm labor. Talk to your health care provider about any of these risk factors that apply to you.

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Why Me?

About 1 million pregnant people each year face the challenges and emotions that restricted activity can bring. Here's how to cope.

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How will I know if I’m in preterm labor?

If you are less than 37 weeks along, call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of preterm labor:

  • 1

    Increased contractions

    Four or more contractions in one hour

  • 2

    Painful cramping

    Cramping that may feel like menstrual pains

  • 3

    Vaginal or rectal pressure

    A feeling like the baby could just "fall out" at any moment

  • 4

    Increased discharge

    Increased discharge or loss of the mucous plug

  • 5

    Persistent lower back pain

    Lower backache that may persist, or come and go

  • 6

    Increased bowel movements

    Frequent bowel movements; or diarrhea

  • 7

    Gradual leaking fluid

    Leaking of fluid; feeling of wetness; a gush of fluid

  • 8

    Bleeding of any sort

    Bleeding of any sort or amount is not normal

  • 9

    Decrease in the baby's activity

    A decrease in the baby's activity; fewer kicks

  • 10

    Trust your intuition

    A feeling that something just isn't right

Preterm labor symptoms are easy to mistake for the normal discomforts of pregnancy.

Learn the Difference