Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Preterm delivery affects one in 10 births (11%) in USA and even greater births in developing countries and causes 40-75% neonatal deaths. Incidence of preterm labor is 23.3% and of preterm delivery 10-69% in India. The present study records the incidence of preterm labor and preterm birth and possible etiology. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in department of Obstectrics & Gynecology in year 2015. It included 542 antenatal women with preterm labor at less than 37 weeks gestational age. Results: Maximum (252) women with preterm labor were from age group 34-36 weeks. 175 were in age group 28- 34 weeks. Age group more than 36 weeks showed 78 women and women < 28 weeks were 37 in numbers.  Maximum cases of tocolysis were seen in age group 28-34 weeks followed by 34-36 (110) weeks, < 28 (20) weeks. The difference was significant (P-0.01). Out of 363 (21%) preterm deliveries, maximum were seen in 34-36 weeks, 101 in 28-34 weeks, 52 in >36 weeks and <28 weeks showed 18 deliveries. The difference was significant (P-0.05). The various causes of allowing delivery on admission (282) was active phase of labor 197 (70%), acute fetal distress 42 (15%), antepartum hemorrhage 28 (10%), severe preeclampsia 7 (2%) and choriomnionitis 8 (3%). The difference was significant (P-0.02). Conclusion: Author concluded that preterm labor and preterm birth are increasing nowadays. It has to be managed safely to avoid further complications. Proper examination, good nutrition, family planning, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is required. 
Key Words: Preterm birth, preterm labor, choriomnionitis

Corresponding Author: Dr. Manju Kumari, Professor in Obstetric & Gynaecology, Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences, Vikarabad, Ranga Reddy - 501 101, Telangana, India

This article may be cited as: Kumari M, Agarwal S. Incidence of preterm labor, birth and possible etiology: A clinical study. J Adv Med Dent Scie Res 2016;4(6):238-242.