Clinical profile and fetal outcome in women with preterm labor pains

Abstract

Background: Preterm labor is a potential cause of preterm birth. Certain demographic and presenting features in pregnant women may correlate to the severity of the problem and progression to delivery. The aim of the study was to find out the clinical profile and fetal outcome in women with preterm labor pains in a tertiary care hospital of North India.Methods: 83 women with preterm labor were included in the study. Antenatal corticosteroids and tocolytic therapy were given. Women who delivered preterm comprised of Group A and who delivered at term were Group B. Clinical profile and fetal outcome was compared and statistically analyzed.Results: 39 (47.0%) women had preterm delivery (Group A) and 44 (53.0%) women delivered at term (Group B). 23.1% women in group A and 4.5% in group B had a previous preterm birth (p=0.021). 16 (41%) women in group A and 4 (9.1%) in group B had a positive microbial growth on high vaginal swab (p=0.001). The odds of having a preterm birth with cervical length of <2 cm was calculated to be 5.281 (p=0.000). A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean birth weight, Apgar score and nursery admissions in both the groups (p=0.000).Conclusions: A prior history of preterm birth, a positive growth on high vaginal swab and a cervical length of less than 2 cm were found to be significantly associated with preterm birth.