Warning symptoms, uterine contractions, and cervical examination findings in women at risk of preterm delivery.

The presence of various reputed warning signs of preterm labor, the frequency of contractions, and the presence of cervical examination findings and their value in predicting preterm labor and spontaneous preterm delivery were assessed. The frequency of contractions and all cervical examination findings increased during pregnancy, as did backache, pressure, and cramping. The frequency of diarrhea, discharge, and bleeding remained constant. Of the various warning signs, only diarrhea and discharge were associated with the diagnosis of preterm labor. None of the warning signs were associated with spontaneous preterm delivery. Various patterns of contractions tended to be associated with higher rates of preterm labor and preterm delivery, but results were generally not statistically significant. Most cervical examination findings were statistically associated with both preterm labor and preterm delivery.