Unit 2 Recognition of deviations from the normal and management during labour Preterm Labor I. Definition of Preterm Labor Preterm labor is the onset of regular uterine contractions leading to cervical changes before 37 completed weeks of gestation. It is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and effective prevention and management are essential to improve fetal outcomes. II. Classification of Preterm Labor Preterm labor is classified based on