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Issue Date
2012-02Keywords
CHILDBIRTHNEONATE
MeSH
FemaleHumans
Infant, Newborn
Pregnancy
Premature Birth
Risk Factors
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Prevention of preterm birth. 2012, 17 (1):58-63 Semin Fetal Neonatal MedJournal
Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal MedicineDOI
10.1016/j.siny.2011.08.001PubMed ID
21893439Abstract
Preterm birth (delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation) is common and rates are increasing. In the past, medical efforts focused on ameliorating the consequences of prematurity rather than preventing its occurrence. This approach resulted in improved neonatal outcomes, but it remains costly in terms of both the suffering of infants and their families and the economic burden on society. Increased understanding of the pathophysiology of preterm labor has altered the approach to this problem, with increased focus on preventive strategies. Primary prevention is a limited strategy which involves public education, smoking cessation, improved nutritional status and avoidance of late preterm births. Secondary prevention focuses on recurrent preterm birth which is the most recognisable risk factor. Widely accepted strategies include cervical cerclage, progesterone and dedicated clinics. However, more research is needed to explore the role of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory treatments in the prevention of this complex problem.Item Type
ArticleLanguage
enISSN
1878-0946ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1016/j.siny.2011.08.001
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