The management of preterm labour

Preterm labour is the onset of regular uterine contractions associated with progressive cervical change between viability and 37 completed weeks of gestation. The incidence is between 5% and 10% in most developed nations. In the US, the incidence has increased from 9% to 12% in the past two decades. Preterm delivery can be associated with immediate and long-term neonatal complications. Long-term morbidity includes cerebral palsy, neurodevelopmental delay and chronic lung disease. The neonatal outcome is dependent on the gestational age at delivery and associated features such as infection. The lower the gestational age, the higher the risk of mortality and morbidity. The management of preterm labour involves identification of high-risk women, prevention and treatment