Labor that starts before your 37th week of pregnancy (three weeks before your due date) is called premature or early labor. It's important to know the signs of premature labor. Most babies born prematurely do well, but sometimes they have problems that can last for life, such as cerebral palsy or learning problems. Getting regular checkups, not smoking while you're pregnant, and letting your health care provider know if any of the following signs of labor are happening are the most important things you can do to help prevent having a premature baby. Call your doctor or health clinic right away if you have any of the following during your pregnancy:

• Contractions: four or more in one hour, with or without pain
• Low, dull backache, pressure or pain
• Period-like cramps
• Pressure in your pelvis that feels like the baby is pushing down
• Cramps in your intestines, with or without diarrhea
• Discharge from your vagina: any change from your usual discharge, especially if thick, watery or bloody
• Decreased movements of the baby; if the baby seems to be moving less and you feel less than 10 movements in a 12-hour period

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (also called toxemia or pregnancy-related hypertension) is the development of swelling, high blood pressure and protein in your urine during pregnancy. Pregnant teens have a greater chance of developing preeclampsia during their pregnancy. Symptoms include:

• Swelling of the hands or face when you get up in the morning
• Quick weight gain (more than two pounds per week)
• Headaches
• Having less urine when you go to the bathroom
• Feeling sick and/or throwing up
• High blood pressure
• Changes in your eyesight (flashing lights in your eyes)
• Pain in your lower belly

Though some swelling of the feet and ankles is normal during pregnancy, call your doctor if you notice swelling in your face or hands.

Teen mothers are much more likely to have low birth weight babies, which can result in serious medical problems, including underdeveloped organs leading to lung, vision, intestinal and other problems.

Smoking during pregnancy is the most common reason for a low birth weight baby and is one one of several habits that you need to control. Not eating right, not gaining enough weight and not taking regular multivitamins are some other reasons teen mothers have low birth weight babies. Drinking alcohol and taking certain drugs during pregnancy can also result in a low birth weight baby.