Inpatient Obstetric Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

The key indication of preterm labor is the presence of regular contractions occurring before 37 weeks of gestation. During preterm labor, these contractions can lead to cervical changes, such as dilation and effacement, prior to the full term of the pregnancy.

Regular contractions can include those that occur at intervals of 10 minutes apart or less, which may increase in intensity or frequency. The timing before the 37-week mark is crucial since preterm labor is defined specifically as contractions that lead to labor before this point.

In comparison, irregular contractions can occur during normal pregnancies and do not indicate labor. Similarly, indicators like high fetal heart rate or excessive amniotic fluid do not directly point to the onset of preterm labor. These findings may warrant monitoring and evaluation, but they are not definitive signs of labor itself. Thus, the presence of regular contractions before 37 weeks serves as a clear and critical marker for preterm labor.