Preterm delivery

Abstract

Preterm delivery and its short-term and long-term sequelae constitute a serious problem in terms of mortality, disability, and cost to society. The incidence of preterm delivery, which has increased in recent years, is associated with various epidemiological and clinical risk factors. Results of randomised controlled trials suggest that attempts to reduce these risk factors by use of drugs are limited by side-effects and poor efficacy. An improved understanding of the physiological pathways that regulate uterine contraction and relaxation in animals and people has, however, helped to define the complex processes that underlie parturition (term and preterm), and has led to new scientific approaches for myometrial modulation. The continuing elucidation of the mechanisms that regulate preterm labour, combined with rigorous clinical assessment, offer hope for future solutions.

Pregnancy after uterine artery embolization for leiomyomata: A series of 56 completed pregnancies

“…15,16 It has been documented that women older than 35 years have approximately double the risk of premature delivery. 16 The mean maternal age for the preterm group was 36.8 years.…”

The Impact of Hydramnios on Pregnancy Outcome in Twin Gestations

“…1 Of these pregnancies, twin gestations constitute the most frequent subgroup predisposed to preterm delivery. 2 The etiology of this tendency for preterm labor is often assumed to be related to the overdistention of the uterus with multiple gestation, resulting in increased uterine activity. Further distention of the twin uterus with excessive amniotic fluid might be expected to further exacerbate this tendency for preterm labor and delivery.…”

Interpregnancy Primary Care and Social Support for African-American Women at Risk for Recurrent Very-low-birthweight Delivery: A Pilot Evaluation

“…An adverse pregnancy outcome was defined as a pregnancy ending in late spontaneous abortion (12 -20 weeks' gestation), stillbirth, ectopic or molar pregnancy, or a liveborn infant weighing < 2500 grams. This definition was chosen because there are established modifiable risk factors for each of these pregnancy outcomes (38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43) addressed as part of the interpregnancy care plan.…”