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Preterm Labor


Case Synopsis

A 28-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, with an estimated gestational age of 28 weeks presents with a new onset of regular uterine contractions. She is admitted to the hospital for intravenous hydration and tocolytic therapy.

Acknowledgment

The author wishes to thank Dr. Craig Palmer for his contribution to the previous edition of this chapter.

Problem Analysis

Definition/Epidemiology

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data from 2014 reveal preterm deliveries of 9.57%. Data from 2012 reported 450,000 preterm births; that is 1:9 for every live birth in the United States. Preterm birth is defined as birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm-related death accounted for 35% of all infant deaths in 2010 and is a leading cause of neurologic disabilities in children. Some problems include breathing problems, feeding difficulties, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, and vision and hearing impairment ( Box 73.1 ). Current obstetric practices aim at delaying such delivery as much as possible.

BOX 73.1
Sequel of Prematurity

  • Breathing problems

  • Feeding difficulties

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Developmental delay

  • Vision problems

  • Hearing impairment

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