OVERVIEW
Preterm birth refers to delivery that occurs at < 37 weeks gestation.
WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?
RISK FACTORS:
Prior spontaneous preterm delivery, multiple gestations, short cervical length, cervical surgery, cigarette usage
SCREENING AND PREVENTION
There are a few things that can be done to try and anticipate/address preterm labor:
- Cervical length measurement (transvaginal ultrasound)
- Progesterone administration (during second/third trimesters) can mince risk of recurrence.
- A cervical cerclage can be considered in patients with a short cervix.
Page Updated: 10.02.2016