A normal pregnancy lasts 38-42 weeks, which means that you'll need to wait about 3 more weeks before going into labor. As the delivery date is getting closer, the cervix becomes smaller and larger. At the end of a pregnancy, the cervix vanishes completely and is maximally dilated. When the water breaks, delivery usually begins within 24 hours. As Braxton’s contractions (a type of uterine contraction) become more frequent and regular delivery begins. There is nothing you can do to avoid premature birth if your destiny was to deliver earlier than normal. Some factors that contribute to premature birth are out of your control. Resting is recommended but it doesn’t guarantee that you will deliver on time or delay delivery.