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Risk factors associated with preterm labour
Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin
|December 17, 2003
Summary
Maternal factors like low weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and mid-arm circumference (MAC) are significant risk factors for preterm labor. Lower income and education levels also increase the risk of premature birth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Preterm labor, delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- Identifying risk factors for preterm labor is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sociodemographic and anthropometric risk factors associated with spontaneous preterm labor in Northern India.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case-control study was conducted with 94 preterm labor cases and 188 term labor controls.
- Data collected included maternal demographics, anthropometric measurements, socioeconomic status, and birth outcomes.
Main Results:
- The incidence of preterm labor was 23.3%.
- Significant risk factors included maternal age, shorter stature, lower weight, lower body mass index (BMI), smaller mid-arm circumference (MAC), lower income and education, higher pregnancy order, lower parity, and shorter birth intervals.
- Lower birth weight and Apgar scores were observed in preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Maternal anthropometric characteristics (weight <45 kg, height <150 cm, BMI <19 kg/m², MAC <20 cm) are strongly associated with preterm labor.
- Socioeconomic factors (education <5 years, income <2000 rupees) and short birth intervals (<12 months) are significant risk factors for preterm labor.