7: Preterm Birth

Question 1

What is preterm birth?

Answer 1

Birth that occurs between 20 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks.

Question 2

Risk factors for preterm labor/birth?

Answer 2

1. Maternal infection and inflammation in reproductive tract
2. Younger than 15 or older than 40
3. Low socioeconomic status
4. AA ethnicity
5. Low education level
6. Poor nutritional status
7. Hx of cervical or uterine anomalies or previous surgeries
8. Hx of low-birth-weight infants, preterm birth, or premature rupture of membranes
9. Fewer than 18 months between pregnancies
10. Multiple pregnancy terminations
11. Multiple gestation
12. Pregnancy-induced hypertension with current pregnancy
13. Cervical insufficiency
14. Polyhydramnios
15. Substance abuse

Question 3

Who is at the highest risk for preterm birth or labor?

Answer 3

1. Hx of preterm birth

2. Short cervix

Question 4

Symptoms of preterm labor?

Answer 4

1. menstrual-like uterine cramps
2. A low, dull backache and pelvic pressure prior to 36 weeks’ gestation that may be due to fetal descent
3. Diarrhea
4. Increased vaginal discharge
5. Leakage of clear fluid from the vagina
6. Vaginal bleeding

Question 5

What instructions would you give to a woman who had any signs of preterm labor?

Answer 5

Women who are pregnant who exhibit any of these symptoms should be instructed to reduce physical and sexual activity, avoid breast stimulation, and increase hydration; they should also be followed closely to observe for cervical change, cervical shortening, and fetal well-being.