This document defines preterm labor as the occurrence of regular uterine contractions between 24 and 37 weeks of gestation that result in cervical changes like dilation and effacement. It discusses complications of preterm labor for both mothers and infants. Maternal complications include anxiety, drug side effects, expense, and potential need for operative delivery. Fetal complications commonly include respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, metabolic problems like hypothermia and hypoglycemia, infections, drug side effects, and mortality, with respiratory distress syndrome being the most common immediate complication. Long term complications for infants can include cerebral palsy, deafness, recurrent infections, hernias, and learning difficulties.