Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 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

Prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of preterm birth in women at risk: a meta-analysis

Rachael Simcox1, Wing-To A Sin, Paul T Seed

  • 1Maternal and Fetal Research Unit, Division of Reproduction and Endocrinology, King's College London School of Medicine at Guy's, King's College and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK. rach.simcox@kcl.ac.uk

The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|September 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic treatment does not reduce the risk of preterm birth (PTB) in at-risk pregnant women. This meta-analysis found no significant association between antibiotic prophylaxis and PTB prevention, regardless of risk factors or treatment specifics.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Perinatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy

Background:

  • Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality.
  • Infections are frequently implicated in preterm deliveries.
  • Evidence on the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for PTB prevention remains inconclusive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment in preventing preterm delivery among asymptomatic pregnant women identified as high-risk for PTB.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted.
  • Searches included MEDLINE, Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register, and PubMed up to August 2005.
  • Included trials compared antibiotic prophylaxis versus placebo in asymptomatic, non-labouring women at risk of PTB. Meta-regression analyzed treatment effect associations.

Main Results:

  • Seventeen RCTs were included, with women categorized by risk factors: abnormal vaginal flora (12 trials), previous PTB (3 trials), or positive fetal fibronectin (2 trials).
  • No significant reduction in PTB was observed with antibiotic treatment across all risk assessment criteria, antimicrobial agents, or gestational ages.
  • The overall combined random effect for delivery before 37 weeks showed no benefit (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.86-1.24).

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic prophylaxis does not appear to reduce the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic pregnant women at risk.
  • Current evidence does not support the routine use of antibiotics for PTB prevention in this population.
  • Further research may be needed to identify specific subgroups that could benefit from antibiotic interventions.
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

Related Concept Videos

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
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...
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
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:
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...