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Published on: October 10, 2025
Maternal risk factors for preterm birth: a country-based population analysis
Gian Carlo Di Renzo1, Irene Giardina, Alessia Rosati
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy. direnzo@unipg.it
European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|November 1, 2011
Summary
Maternal factors like higher BMI, heavy work, and a history of abortion, C-section, or preterm birth increase the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB). Identifying these risks helps in managing high-risk pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant concern in maternal-fetal medicine.
- Identifying maternal risk factors is crucial for early intervention and improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify maternal risk factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) in the Italian population.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the Italian situation regarding PTB risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study involving 7634 women in 9 Italian University Maternity Hospitals.
- Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of spontaneous PTB.
- Data collected included deliveries between April and December 2008.
Main Results:
- Increased risk of PTB was associated with BMI > 25 (OR=1.662), heavy work (OR=1.947), history of abortion (OR=1.954), previous cesarean section (OR=2.904), and previous preterm delivery (OR=3.412).
- These associations were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
- Other examined covariates did not show a statistically significant relationship with PTB.
Conclusions:
- Specific maternal factors in the Italian population are associated with spontaneous PTB.
- Key identified risk factors include maternal BMI, employment status (heavy work), and reproductive history (previous abortion, C-section, or PTB).
- These findings can aid in recognizing high-risk women for targeted interventions.
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