A premature birth is defined as a childbirth which takes place earlier than the usual (that is, after 40 weeks), or more than three weeks before the due date. It is prejudicial to the baby since premature birth would mean less time to develop and mature in the womb, which results to an increased medical and developmental risk for the baby.

Through examination and monitoring, the physician will check the exhibited symptoms of preterm labor. An ultrasound may also be done to confirm a diagnosis.

The procedure, cervical cerclage, may help prevent premature birth for mothers who are not having contractions but whose cervix is opening. In this procedure, the cervix is stitched closed with strong sutures, to be “opened” in the last month of pregnancy. In other cases, medications to stop contractions or block the production of substances that stimulate contractions, is recommended. In appropriate cases, an injection of potent steroids to speed the baby's lung maturity, may be prescribed. As for premature babies, they are usually placed in the hospital's neonatal intensive care units which are designed to provide round-the-clock care for them.

The symptoms include low, dull backache, vaginal spotting or bleeding, watery vaginal discharge, contractions that occur more than six times an hour, pelvic pain, and diarrhea.

There is no exact cause for premature birth. However, severe stress or accident may likely bring about the said condition.