Prematurity

Question 1

Associations

Answer 1

Social deprivation
Smoking, alcohol and drugs
Overweight or underweight mother
Maternal co-morbidities
Multiple pregnancy

Question 2

Management before birth

Answer 2

Prophylaxis in women with a history of preterm birth or short cervical length:

• Vaginal progesterone pessary to discourage labour
• Cervical cerclage

When pre-term labour is suspected/confirmed:

• Tocolysis with nifedipine
• Corticosteroids (if <35 w)
• IV magnesium sulphate (if <34w)
• Delayed cord clamping or cord milking at birth

Question 3

Potential early life issues

Answer 3

RDS
Hypothermia
Hypoglycaemia
Neonatal jaundice
NEC
Poor feeding
Retinopathy of prematurity

Question 4

Long term effects

Answer 4

Chronic lung disease of prematurity
Learning/behavioural difficulties
Cerebral palsy
Hearing/visual impairment