title: Prevention of preterm birth in modern obstetrics.
abstract: Spontaneous preterm labor is a complex process characterized by the interplay of multiple different pathways. Prevention of preterm labor and delivery is also complicated. The most effective interventions for prevention of preterm birth (PTB) are progestin prophylaxis and lifestyle modifications, with cerclage placement also playing a role in selected populations. Interventions such as activity modification, home tocometry, and routine antibiotic use have fallen out of favor because of lack of effectiveness and possibility of harm. The solution to the problem of PTB remains elusive, and researchers and clinicians must collaborate to find a cure for preterm labor.
authors.affiliation: Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395 West 12th Avenue, 5th Floor, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Electronic address: kara.markham@osumc.edu.
authors.forename: Kara B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Markham
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, 395 West 12th Avenue, 5th Floor, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Division of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University College of Public Health, 250 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Perinatal Research, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, WB 5231, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Klebanoff
mesh_terms: D001510:Bed Rest; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010570:Pessaries; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011372:Progestins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011372:Progestins; D015149:Tocolytic Agents
keywords: Cerclage; Pessary; Preterm birth; Preterm birth prevention; Progestins