title: Preterm birth: An overview of risk factors and obstetrical management.
abstract: Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and a major public health concern. Risk factors for preterm birth include a history of preterm birth, short cervix, infection, short interpregnancy interval, smoking, and African-American race. The use of progesterone therapy to treat mothers at risk for preterm delivery is becoming more widespread. Tocolytics may not prevent preterm birth but have a role in prolonging pregnancy for administration of medications to benefit the preterm infant. These include antenatal steroids and, if indicated, magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection and intravenous antibiotics for Group B Streptococcus prophylaxis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. astewa30@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Ernest
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Graham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D013256:Steroids; D015149:Tocolytic Agents
keywords: neonatal morbidity and mortality; premature birth; preterm labor