About one baby in every 10 will be born before the 37th week of pregnancy. In most cases labour starts by itself, either with contractions, the sudden breaking of the waters or a show.

About one early baby in three is induced or delivered by caesarean section because the doctors believe an early delivery is necessary for your own or the baby’s safety.

If your baby is likely to be delivered early, you will be admitted to a hospital with specialist facilities for premature babies, either locally or at another regional centre.

If contractions start well before you are due, the doctors may be able to use drugs to stop your contractions temporarily. You will probably be advised to have injections of steroids that will help to mature your baby’s lungs so that he or she is better able to breathe after the birth. This treatment takes about 24 hours to work.

If you have any reason to think that your labour may be starting early, get in touch with the delivery suite at once so that arrangements can be made.