Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
14:43

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

Published on: January 12, 2018

Preventing preterm birth: what works, what doesn't

Lisa M Hollier1

  • 1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Houston Medical School, 5656 Kelley Street, Houston, TX 77026, USA. Lisa.m.hollier@uth.tmc.edu

Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey
|January 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Preventing preterm birth remains a significant medical challenge. Current interventions like cerclage and antibiotics show limited effectiveness, though progesterone may offer future promise for reducing risks.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Preterm birth presents a major medical challenge with high frequency and economic burden.
  • Effective prevention strategies are crucial for improving neonatal outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on primary and secondary prevention interventions for preterm birth.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions using number needed to treat and number needed to harm.
  • To inform healthcare providers about the latest findings in preterm birth prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent research findings on preterm birth prevention.
  • Analysis of interventions including cerclage, infection management, progesterone, antibiotics, and tocolysis.
  • Assessment of intervention effectiveness based on established metrics.

Main Results:

  • Most current interventions demonstrate limited benefit in preventing preterm birth or improving neonatal outcomes.
  • The effectiveness of cerclage, infection treatment, antibiotics, and tocolysis is often outweighed by potential harms.
  • Progesterone administration shows some promise but requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Effective interventions for reducing preterm birth risks for all women are still lacking.
  • Progesterone may hold potential for future prevention strategies.
  • Continued research is essential to develop more effective methods to combat preterm birth.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice04:18

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Published on: October 10, 2025

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Birth Control Methods01:22

Birth Control Methods

Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...
Preventive Healthcare Services01:30

Preventive Healthcare Services

Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention01:26

Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention

Health promotion allows a person to control the determinants of health, resulting in an improved health status. It enhances the quality of life and reduces premature deaths. Health promotion and illness prevention programs help people make beneficial choices to reduce the risk of disease and disabilities. There are three health promotion and illness prevention levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...
Regression Toward the Mean01:52

Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...