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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Risk assessment and management to prevent preterm birth
B Koullali1, M A Oudijk1, T A J Nijman2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Identifying women at risk of preterm birth is crucial for effective prevention. A history of preterm birth and mid-pregnancy cervical length are key predictors, guiding clinical management to reduce neonatal mortality.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Preterm birth is a leading global cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity.
- Effective prevention strategies are essential for improving infant outcomes worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential risk factors for preterm birth.
- To discuss management strategies for preventing preterm birth in various risk groups.
- To identify key predictors for early intervention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on preterm birth risk factors and prevention.
- Analysis of general, pregnancy-related, and historical risk factors.
- Evaluation of diagnostic tools like cervical length measurement and fetal fibronectin testing.
Main Results:
- A history of preterm birth is the strongest predictor for subsequent pregnancies.
- Mid-pregnancy cervical length measurement is a significant independent predictor of preterm birth.
- General factors (ethnicity, SES, weight, smoking, periodontal status) have lower impact.
- Pregnancy-related factors (bacterial vaginosis, asymptomatic bacteriuria) have limited predictive value.
- Fetal fibronectin testing may offer additional predictive value.
Conclusions:
- Identifying women at risk is paramount for effective preterm birth prevention.
- Obstetric history and mid-pregnancy cervical length are critical for risk assessment.
- Tailored prevention strategies based on individual risk profiles are necessary for clinical care.
Abstract:
Preterm birth is the most important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. In this review, we review potential risk factors associated with preterm birth and the subsequent management to prevent preterm birth in low and high risk women with a singleton or multiple pregnancy. A history of preterm birth is considered the most important risk factor for preterm birth in subsequent pregnancy. General risk factors with a much lower impact include ethnicity, low socio-economic status, maternal weight, smoking, and periodontal status. Pregnancy-related characteristics, including bacterial vaginosis and asymptomatic bacteriuria, appear to be of limited value in the prediction of preterm birth. By contrast, a mid-pregnancy cervical length measurement is independently associated with preterm birth and could be used to identify women at risk of a premature delivery. A fetal fibronectin test may be of additional value in the prediction of preterm birth. The most effective methods to prevent preterm birth depend on the obstetric history, which makes the identification of women at risk of preterm birth an important task for clinical care providers.
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