Preterm Birth

Preterm birth, defined as childbirth occurring at less than 37 completed weeks or 259 days of gestation, is a major determinant of neonatal mortality and morbidity and has long-term adverse consequences for health. Preterm babies born near 37 weeks often have no problems relating to prematurity if their lungs have developed adequate surfactant, which allows the lungs to remain expanded between breaths. Sequelae of prematurity can be reduced to a small extent by using drugs to accelerate maturation of the fetus and to a greater extent by preventing preterm birth. Health conditions in the mother, such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, may contribute to preterm labor. Often, the cause of preterm labor is unknown. About 15% of all premature births are multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.). A helpful clinical test should predict a high risk for preterm birth during the early and middle part of the third trimester, when their impact is significant. The preventive measures are important in reducing the risk of premature labor. Such as nutritional adjustments, reducing workload, prenatal visits these interventions will be helpful. And also the treatments like antibiotic therapy against infection, tocolytic agents to delay the labor.