Neonatal outcome in women receiving vaginal progesterone for prevention of preterm birth

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth (PTB) may be caused by several etiological factors and there is some evidence that administration of progesterone has an effect in the prevention of preterm birth, however its role is not well defined. Study Design: This study was planned to know the effect of vaginal progesterone on women with a history of PTB on pregnancy and neonatal outcome. A total of 64 women with a singleton pregnancy (between 14-28 weeks gestation), with at least one previous preterm delivery were prospectively studied and received vaginal micronized progesterone 100 mg twice daily starting at 14–28 weeks [recruitment period] and continued till 34 weeks of pregnancy. Results: In the study, 1.66% women delivered before 34 weeks, 14 (23.33%) women delivered between 34 and 36 + 6 weeks period of gestation. Overall 15/60 (25%) patients delivered before 37 weeks and 45/60 (75%) delivered after 37 weeks. Mean gestation of delivery was 37.31 ± 1.58 (Range: 33–39 weeks). Conclusions: This study provides some evidence that vaginal administration of progesterone in high-risk women for PTB starting in the second trimester and continued till 34 weeks can lower the PTB and improve the neonatal prognosis, without causing any adverse effect to the neonate.