Will a hard stomach at 31 weeks lead to premature birth?

Feb 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, whether abdominal tightening at 31 weeks of pregnancy may lead to preterm birth depends on the cause and specific circumstances of the tightening. If you experience any discomfort, seek medical attention promptly and follow professional medical advice for appropriate treatment. Pregnant women should maintain healthy lifestyle and dietary habits during pregnancy, avoid excessive fatigue and strenuous exercise, which can help reduce the risk of preterm birth.

Generally speaking, whether hardening of the abdomen at 31 weeks of pregnancy can lead to preterm labor depends on the cause and specific circumstances. If the hardening is due to false labor contractions (Braxton Hicks contractions) and there are no other signs of preterm labor, it usually does not lead to preterm birth. However, if other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or reduced fetal movement occur, preterm labor may be imminent. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

As pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, pregnant women may experience false labor contractions, which are normal uterine muscle exercises that help prepare the uterus for delivery, but do not necessarily indicate immediate onset of labor. If abdominal hardening at 31 weeks is caused by false contractions and there are no other signs of preterm labor, such as vaginal bleeding or rupture of membranes, it likely will not lead to preterm birth.

In addition to abdominal hardening, if a pregnant woman experiences other abnormal symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or decreased fetal movement, these may be signs of preterm labor. These symptoms may indicate that the fetus is in distress within the uterus, and immediate medical attention is required.

Throughout pregnancy, expectant mothers should maintain healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, avoid excessive fatigue and strenuous activity, which can help reduce the risk of preterm birth.