Recent Trends in Management of Preterm Labor.

Shin, Jong Chul

Review

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2006;49(7):1403-1411.
Published online July 1, 2006.

Recent Trends in Management of Preterm Labor.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. jcshin@catholic.ac.kr

Abstract

Preterm labor refers to regular uterine contractions of sufficient strength and frequency to effect progressive dilatation and effacement of cervix between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation. Spontaneous preterm labor is responsible for more than half of preterm births. Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and a substantial portion of all birth-related short- and long-term morbidity worldwide. The incidence of preterm delivery has been reported to be 7-12%, directly contributing to 75% of neonatal mortality and 50% of long-term neurological impairment in children. Moreover, it accounts for 35% and 10% of healthcare spending for infants and children, respectively. Unfortunately, the incidence of preterm labor has changed very little over the last 40 years and uncertainties still persist regarding the best strategies for its management. It has been widely recognized that its prevention and/or effective management will improve neonatal outcome and will have a profound impact on societal and long-term public healthcare costs. In this article we review recent trends in prediction, prevention and management of preterm labor.

Key Words: Preterm labor, Prediction, Prevention, Management