Preterm labour

Preterm labour:
is defined as the presence of uterine contractions of sufficient frequency and intensity to effect progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix prior to term gestation (between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation).


Preterm labour precedes almost half of preterm births .
preterm birth occurs in 12% of pregnancies and is the leading cause of neonatal mortality in the United States. 


. Preterm birth accounts for 70% of neonatal morbidity, mortality.

Risk of death or neuro-sensory disability increases with decreasing gestational age.

In the UK, infant mortality among
Preterm births was 42/1000 live births in 2005, compared with 5/1000 live births overall.

Aetiology and Risk factors:

It can affect any pregnancy and many women have no known risk factors.

Many factors can increase the risk of preterm labour, including:

Previous preterm labour .

or premature rupture of membrane , particularly in the most recent pregnancy or in more than one previous pregnancy.