Risk Factors for Premature Labor and Birth

Premature birth is a delivery before 37 completed weeks of the pregnancy. It is the #1 reason for neonatal morbidity and mortality. ... read more »

The Effects of Premature Labor on Your Baby

Although most babies born a few weeks early do well with no health consequences, the earlier they are born, the more health problems they will have. Learn how premature labor may affect your baby. ... read more »

Short Cervix In Pregnancy and Risk of Premature Delivery

The cervix is the cylindrical mouth of the uterus, separating it from the vagina. Normally, earlthe cervix is at least 3-4 cm long, and its length in pregnancy strengthens the protection of the fetus. ... read more »

Pregnancy Complications with Multiple Births

Pregnancy complications in twins are many-fold higher than with a singleton baby and include a higher rate of premature deliveries and fetal anomalies. ... read more »

Risks of Preterm or Premature Labor and Delivery

Learn about contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks. ... read more »

Cervical Length - Risk of Prematurity

There is a reverse direct relationship between cervical length and the risk of premature births. ... read more »

Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes - PROM

Premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM) is when the fetal membranes break prior to labor. ... read more »

What Is A Bicornuate Uterus?

A bicornuate uterus is the most common congenital uterine anomaly and can impact a woman's reproductive capabilities. ... read more »

Rate of Premature Births Dropping, But Still Too High

The March of Dimes has released a report revealing the rate of premature births are on the decline, but experts still believe the rate is too high. ... read more »

Later Preterm Infants May Have Difficulties in Childhood

A full term birth occurs one or after the 37th week of gestation. Preterm birth occurs any time before that 37th week. ... read more »

Cerebral Palsy Risk in Early or Late Delivery

Preterm birth is a known risk factor for cerebral palsy, but researchers have now added weeks 37 and 42+ to that list. According to a study published by the Journal of American Medical Association, the lowest risk occurs when children are born at 40 weeks. ... read more »

Pain Tolerance and Perception in Adolescents Born Preterm

Infants born as early as 24 weeks gestation can survive and thrive, but researchers know little about the impact of such a short gestation on normal body functions and reactions. ... read more »

How Do You Know You Are In Labor - Early Labor Symptoms and Signs

As the pregnancy comes to an end, there are early labor symptoms and signs that mom will need to look for in order to recognize the beginning of labor. ... read more »

Impact of Breastfeeding on Mother and Newborn

There was no significant difference in full-term or non-full-term births rates and mean newborn birth weight between for those who continued and discontinued breastfeeding during pregnancy.  ... read more »

USA Lags Behind in Preterm Births

Born too soon: the global action report on preterm birth by the World Health Organization (WHO) provides the first-ever national, regional and global estimates of preterm birth.  ... read more »

Too Many Babies Being Born Too Soon

According to the Global Action Report on Preterm Birth, more than 15 million infants are born before their due dates.That translates to about one out of every 10 births.  ... read more »

Tocolytic Therapy for Preterm Delivery

This is a great review from the British Medical Journal of tocolytic therapy, treatment to stop preterm labor. It reviews  what works and what does not. There are two tocolytics that seem to have the highest success rate: prostaglandin inhibitors (eg indomethacin, ketorolac)  performed best closely followed by calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, nitrates). ... read more »

Premature Labor - Risk Factors

The following are risk factors for increased risk of premature labor and premature births. ... read more »

Dental Problems May be Linked to Premature Birth

The treatment of gum disease may be a contributing factor in keeping premature birth at bay. A study published by BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reports a significant link between periodontitis and preterm birth. ... read more »