Abstract
Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and a major public health concern. Risk factors for preterm birth include a history of preterm birth, short cervix, infection, short interpregnancy interval, smoking, and African-American race. The use of progesterone therapy to treat mothers at risk for preterm delivery is becoming more widespread. Tocolytics may not prevent preterm birth but have a role in prolonging pregnancy for administration of medications to benefit the preterm infant. These include antenatal steroids and, if indicated, magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection and intravenous antibiotics for Group B Streptococcus prophylaxis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 285-288 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- Neonatal morbidity and mortality
- Premature birth
- Preterm labor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health