Current concepts in the management of preterm labour

Prematurity remains the major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity in Singapore. Prevention of prematurity is therefore of vital importance. Epidemiological methods using historical variables have been superseded by ongoing pregnancy factors including work, exercise and cervical dilatation. PGF levels bear a positive correlation to duration and cervical dilatation but are not elevated at onset. PGE production is high in ruptured membranes. Progesterone and relaxin are potent inhibitors before labour. Infection must play an important role in developing countries as organisms not thought of to be pathogenic produce phospholipase A2. For prediction, cervical assessment and topography are proving important. In view of the dangerous side effects of tocolytic drugs and the difficulty in diagnosis of preterm labour, absence of fetal breathing is a useful index of progressive labour. In those labours that are advanced, whether to allow vaginal delivery or not will be determined by the presentation and condition of the fetus. The complementary role of other drugs to reduce morbidity from hyaline membrane disease and intraventricular haemorrhage is being studied. Fetal acidosis should be avoided and the infant delivered without trauma under optimal circumstances. In utero transfer to a facility with neonatal intensive care carries a better prognosis for the baby.