Premature labour also called preterm labour is labour that starts more than three weeks before your due date (i.e. before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy). Preterm labour can result in premature birth which can pose health risks for your baby. Premature babies (preemies) may need special care in the neonatal intensive care unit they can also have long-term mental and physical disabilities. The earlier your baby is born the higher the risk of complications – say health experts. Certain factors can increase your chance of preterm labour but pregnant women with no known risk factors can also