Prediction and prevention of spontaneous preterm birth

Abstract

Incidence of preterm delivery ranges from 7-12% of all gestations and premature birth is one of the main causes for newborn morbimortality. It is responsible for over three quarters of neonatal deaths, minus congenital malformations. Several strategies can be adopted to reduce premature delivery rates, including risk factor identification and prophylactic use of progesterone. Among the main actions of progesterone is its relaxing effect upon uterine muscles, the ability to block the effects of cytokin, and its antiinflammatory and immunosuppresive effects. The use of exogenous progesterone reduces the rates of prematurity for patients under risk of premature delivery, such as those with a history of premature deliveries, and short cervix as revealed by transvaginal ultrasound in the second quarter of pregnancy. This review aims to highlight important aspects to be considered in the outpatient clinic and describe the main predictive and preventive actions of premature birth available in obstetric care.