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Updated: Dec 2, 2025
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Current Preterm Birth Prevention Strategies
Noelle Breslin1, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman2
1Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, 622 West 168th Street, Ph 12-28, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Insights
Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant death globally. Cervical length screening may help identify women at high risk for recurrent preterm birth and de novo risk.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Health
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Preterm birth affects 10.2% of US births and 10.8% globally, remaining a significant obstetric challenge.
- It is the primary cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and the leading cause of death in children under five.
- Prior preterm birth history is the most critical risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of preterm birth as a global health issue.
- To emphasize the importance of identifying risk factors for preterm birth.
- To explore the potential of cervical length screening for predicting recurrent and de novo preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on preterm birth incidence and risk factors.
- Analysis of the role of prior preterm birth history.
- Evaluation of cervical length screening as a predictive tool.
Main Results:
- Preterm birth rates remain high despite interventions.
- A history of previous preterm birth is the strongest predictor.
- Cervical length screening shows promise in identifying at-risk pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Effective strategies are needed to reduce preterm birth rates.
- Cervical length measurement is a valuable tool for risk assessment.
- Early identification through screening can potentially improve outcomes for preterm infants.
Abstract:
Preterm birth remains a major issue in obstetrics. Despite efforts to reduce the incidence of preterm delivery, rates in the United States remain high at 10.2% of all live births with an incidence of 10.8% globally. Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is also the leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years. Research into this important health topic has allowed for the identification of risk factors for preterm birth, the most important of which is a history of prior preterm birth. Cervical length screening may allow us to identify those at greatest risk of recurrent preterm birth as well as a de novo risk in women with no prior preterm birth history.
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