Reducing the risk for preterm birth: evidence and implications for neonatal nurses.
The incidence of preterm birth has been slowly rising despite advances in obstetric health care. Neonatal nurses have ongoing contact with women who have had a preterm birth and, thus, who are at high risk to have another preterm birth. This article discusses current evidence about reducing risk for preterm birth. Although preterm birth cannot always be prevented, preconception care can help identify and modify maternal risk and promote optimal health before conception. Quality prenatal care, as defined by the Institute of Medicine, consists of continuing risk assessment, health promotion, and interventions to modify medical and psychosocial risk. When these 3 components are consistently applied, they may confer some protection against preterm birth. Women at highest risk for preterm birth need to seek prenatal care from an expert in maternal-fetal medicine. Women also need to learn about the common, subtle signs of preterm labor so they can recognize symptoms and quickly seek treatment. Neonatal nurses can provide critical information and anticipatory guidance to women at risk for preterm birth so they can make sound decisions about future pregnancies.
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44109-4904, USA. jam44@cwru.edu
Judith A
JA
Maloni
Elizabeth G
EG
Damato
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D024802:Nurse's Role; D016742:Preconception Care / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000592:standards; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors