Published

2012.10.1

Issued by

ACOG, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Abstract

Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality in the United States, and preterm labor precedes approximately 50% of preterm births (1, 2). Neonatal intensive care has improved the survival rate for neonates at the cusp of viability, but it also has increased the proportion of survivors with disabilities (3). The incidence of multiple births also has increased along with the associated risk of preterm delivery (4). The purpose of this document is to describe the various methods proposed for identifying and treating asymptomatic women at increased risk of preterm birth and the evidence for their roles in clinical practice.