Who Is At Risk for Preterm Labor?
Many pregnant women aren't aware of their risks for having a premature baby. Understanding your risks can help you play an active role in your pregnancy and your baby's health. Then, together, you and your doctor or nurse-midwife can work out a plan.
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Preterm delivery risk factors1
Three groups of women are at greatest risk for preterm labor and birth. Those with:
- Previous preterm birth — women who've had a previous preterm delivery
- Twins or triplets — women who are pregnant with twins, triplets, or more
- Cervical abnormalities — women with certain cervical abnormalities
If you have any of these three risk factors, it's especially important for you to know the symptoms of preterm labor — and what to do if they occur. Even if you don't have any of these risk factors, you should contact your doctor or nurse-midwife if you show any of the symptoms of preterm labor, such as regular contractions that don't stop, or constant, dull back pain.
More about symptoms of preterm labor
Lifestyle and environmental risks1
Certain lifestyle factors may put a woman at greater risk for preterm labor. These factors include:
- Late or no prenatal care
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Using illegal drugs
- Exposure to the medication DES
- Domestic violence, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Lack of social support
- Stress
- Long working hours with long periods of standing
Medical risks1
Certain medical conditions during pregnancy may increase the likelihood that a woman will have preterm labor. These conditions include:
- Urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, and possibly other infections
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Clotting disorders (thrombophilia)
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Certain birth defects in the baby
- Being pregnant with a single fetus after in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Being underweight before pregnancy
- Obesity
- Short time period between pregnancies (less than 6-9 months between birth and the beginning of the next pregnancy)
Researchers have also identified other risk factors. For instance, African-American women, women younger than 17 or older than 35, and poor women are at greater risk than other women. Experts do not fully understand why and how these factors increase a woman's risk for preterm labor or birth.
There is a test to determine your risk
If you are pregnant, there is a test that can help predict your risk for premature delivery. FullTerm™, The Fetal Fibronectin Test, is the most powerful predictor of preterm birth <32 weeks.2 It is a simple, non-invasive test (much like a Pap test) that can be given in your doctor's office.
Learn more about FullTerm, The Fetal Fibronectin Test
Test your knowledge about premature birth
References
- 1. www.marchofdimes.com
- 2. Goldenberg RL, Iams JD, Mercer BM, et al. The preterm prediction study: the value of new vs. standard risk factors in predicting early and all spontaneous preterm births. Am J Public Health. 1998; 88:233-238