Symptoms described by African American women evaluated for preterm labor

To describe symptoms, self-care for symptoms, and lay consultations of African American women later diagnosed with a likelihood of preterm labor (PTL).

Qualitative descriptive study.

Two sites within the United States, one urban and one suburban high-risk maternity referral center.

Twenty-five African American women presenting for emergent care and subsequently diagnosed as "rule out PTL." Five of the women later delivered before 37 weeks gestation, of whom 4 had a preterm low-birthweight infant (

Women's symptoms, self-care for symptoms, and lay consultations prior to seeking care for PTL.

The most common reason for seeking care was due to "pains," and the second most common was "cramping," with most women (n = 17) seeking care within 4 to 24 hours of first experiencing symptoms. Importantly, 15 of the women first contacted friends/family members before seeking care.

In African American women, implications about PTL teaching include adding the word "pain" as another teaching descriptor and targeting education to individuals whom the patient considers to be significant such as a close friend or family member.