Pre-Term Birth

Preterm birth, or a birth that occurs prior to 37 weeks gestation, is a major public health concern worldwide. It is associated with a range of short and long-term adverse health outcomes for both the mother and her baby. Preterm birth is the leading cause of death in the first month of life and is a major contributor to long-term disability in childhood. Risk factors for preterm birth include a mother’s age, previous history of preterm birth, certain medical conditions, certain lifestyle behaviors, and environmental exposures. Identifying and managing risk factors may reduce the risk of preterm birth. Preterm labor is the most common cause of preterm birth. It is defined as the presence of regular uterine contractions resulting in cervical change with or without associated signs and symptoms of preterm rupture of the membranes. Preterm labor is usually treated with medications to stop the contractions, and often includes hospitalization and bed rest. Other causes of preterm birth include preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), abruption placenta, chorioamnionitis, and other medical conditions. Prevention strategies for preterm birth include avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking, substance abuse, and poor nutrition; managing medical risk factors; and receiving timely prenatal care. In addition, research is ongoing regarding interventions to prevent preterm birth. These include progesterone supplementation, cerclage, and tocolytic agents. These interventions are currently not recommended for routine use, but may be considered in certain high-risk pregnancies. In conclusion, preterm birth is a major public health concern that is associated with short and long-term health risks. Risk factors and causes of preterm birth should be identified and managed to reduce the risk of preterm birth. Research is ongoing to further explore interventions to prevent preterm birth.