[Mode of delivery in spontaneous preterm birth]

To evaluate the benefit/risk balance of way of birth according to fetal presentation, to assess monitoring during preterm labor, to discuss method of delivery and practice of delayed cord clamping in case of spontaneous preterm birth.

Bibliographic research from the Pubmed database and recommendations issued by the main scientific societies, and assignment of a level of evidence and a recommendation grade.

In case of vertex presentation, no studies suggest that cesarean section improve neonatal outcome during spontaneous preterm birth (LE4). Nevertheless, cesarean is associated with higher maternal morbidity than vaginal delivery. Thus, routine cesarean is not recommended simply because of a spontaneous preterm labor (professional consensus). The available data do not allow specific recommendations about the choice of mode of delivery for preterm breech presentation in view of the low levels of proof (Professional consensus). Fetal rate monitoring is necessary during preterm labor (Professional consensus). Current data about second lines method for fetal surveillance (fetal scalp blood for pH or lactates) are insufficient to recommend their use before 34 WG (Professional consensus). Systematic assisted vaginal delivery is not recommended during preterm birth (Professional consensus). Use of vacuum is possible after 34 WG when cranial vertex ossification is considered satisfactory (Professional consensus). Systematic use of episiotomy in case of preterm birth is not recommended (Professional consensus). A delayed cord clamping is possible if the neonatal or maternal state so permits (Professional consensus). The available data are insufficient to recommend a systematic use of this procedure (LE3).

In case of preterm delivery, the available data do not allow specific recommendations about the choice of mode of delivery regardless of fetal presentation.