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Most causes of preterm labor are unknown. However, the following factors can contribute to the risk of you having preterm labor:

• Being pregnant with more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.)

• Using alcohol, tobacco or drugs before or during pregnancy

• Dehydration

• Urinary tract infection

• Sexually transmitted infections

• History of preterm birth

• Vaginal bleeding in the middle of pregnancy

• Infection

• An excessive amount of amniotic fluid around the baby

• Problems with your cervix

• Problems with your uterus

• Genetic, economic, and social factors (for example, women who are African-American, who smoke, or who are significantly underweight when they get pregnant have higher risk for preterm labor)

• Excess stress