Preterm Birth: A Review of Its Early Diagnosis and Prevention

Abstract

Preterm birth, a major global healthcare concern, is characterized by infants being born before completing 37 weeks of gestation. Accurate diagnosis and effective interventions are critical to managing this complex issue. This abstract provides an overview of the diagnosis and prevention of preterm birth, focusing on risk assessment, diagnostic techniques, and various interventions for mothers and newborns. The diagnostic process involves evaluating risk factors, clinical history, and the assessment of potential membrane rupture. Techniques such as speculum examination, the Nitrazine test, the Fern test, ultrasonography, and the Placental Alpha Microglobulin-1 test play vital roles in identifying membrane rupture and infection. Additional diagnostic markers include cervical ultrasonography and fetal fibronectin testing. Prevention strategies include lifestyle changes, maternal therapies, and antenatal interventions. Smoking cessation programs, low-dose aspirin, antenatal corticosteroid therapy, progesterone supplementation, magnesium sulfate, and antibiotic treatment are employed to reduce the risk of preterm birth. Cervical cerclage, another surgical intervention, is recommended in specific cases.
 For preterm newborns, immediate and effective care is vital. This includes thermal care, early breastfeeding, infection prevention, and respiratory distress syndrome management. These interventions are crucial in reducing infant mortality and morbidity associated with preterm birth. Efforts to diagnose and prevent preterm birth are essential in improving the well-being of both mothers and their newborns. A comprehensive approach, combining accurate diagnosis and effective interventions, can make a significant impact in reducing the burden of preterm birth on healthcare systems and families.
 Keywords: Preterm birth, infants, gestation, potential membrane rupture