Track 25: Preterm Birth and Prevention

Preterm Birth and Prevention

Preterm birth—defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation—is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It can lead to long-term complications including respiratory distress, neurodevelopmental delays, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Maternal infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, chorioamnionitis)

• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets)

• Uterine or cervical abnormalities

• Preeclampsia and other maternal health conditions

• Previous preterm birth

• Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, poor nutrition, high stress)

Preventive Strategies:

• Prenatal Screening and Risk Assessment:

  • Early identification of at-risk pregnancies through cervical length measurement and maternal health assessments.

• Progesterone Therapy:

  • Administration of progesterone to women with a history of preterm birth or short cervix can help reduce recurrence.

• Cerclage:

  • A surgical procedure to reinforce a weak or short cervix in women at risk for early dilation.

• Tocolytic Medications:

  • Used to delay labor in acute cases, allowing time for corticosteroids or transfer to specialized care.

• Corticosteroids:

  • Administered to enhance fetal lung maturity when early delivery is imminent.

• Lifestyle and Health Interventions:

  • Smoking cessation, infection treatment, nutritional support, and stress management are essential parts of prevention.

• Innovative Approaches:

  • Ongoing research explores the role of the vaginal microbiome, biomarker testing, and AI-based prediction models to further reduce preterm birth rates.

Global Impact:

Efforts to prevent preterm birth are central to reducing neonatal mortality and improving long-term outcomes, especially in low-resource settings where access to neonatal intensive care is limited.