title: Recurrent preterm birth.
abstract: Recurrent preterm birth is frequently defined as two or more deliveries before 37 completed weeks of gestation. The recurrence rate varies as a function of the antecedent for preterm birth: spontaneous versus indicated. Spontaneous preterm birth is the result of either preterm labor with intact membranes or preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes. This article reviews the body of literature describing the risk of recurrence of spontaneous and indicated preterm birth. Also discussed are the factors which modify the risk for recurrent spontaneous preterm birth (a short sonographic cervical length and a positive cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin test). Patients with a history of an indicated preterm birth are at risk not only for recurrence of this subtype, but also for spontaneous preterm birth. Individuals of black origin have a higher rate of recurrent preterm birth.
authors.affiliation: Perinatology Research Branch, Intramural Division, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Hutzel Women's Hospital, Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Shali
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mazaki-Tovi
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Romero
authors.forename: Juan Pedro
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Kusanovic
authors.forename: Offer
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Erez
authors.forename: Beth L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Pineles
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gotsch
authors.forename: Pooja
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mittal
authors.forename: Nandor Gabor
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Than
authors.forename: Jimmy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Espinoza
authors.forename: Sonia S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Hassan
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors