A primer on antenatal testing for neonatal nurses: part 1. Tests used to predict preterm labor

Parents and healthcare providers are challenged to understand the mechanisms of, and predictors for preterm delivery. In addition to the epidemiologic implications, on a practical level, the ability to predict preterm delivery may help the neonatal team triage to assure bed availability, and to predict and provide appropriate staffing for new admissions. On an individual patient level, understanding the maternal history, including antenatal risk factors and relevant monitoring and testing, is an important foundation for subsequent neonatal care. A number of new diagnostic testing tools are being used in obstetric practice to enhance the ability to predict preterm delivery. The results of fetal fibronectin and ultrasound measurement of cervical length are increasingly used to triage obstetrical patients. Results of these tests may prompt transfer to a tertiary facility. Part 1 of this 2-part series will describe antenatal testing techniques used to predict preterm delivery (PTD), as well as highlight the emerging developments in maternal serum testing. Further, a recent treatment option for preterm labor, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, will also be discussed.