Can preterm birth be gainfully prevented

Background: Preterm birth is a major cause of perinatal deaths and a significant cause of long-term loss of human potential amongst survivors all around the world. Complications of preterm birth are the single largest direct cause of neonatal deaths, responsible for 35% of the world’s 3.1 million deaths a year, and the second most common cause of under-5 deaths after pneumonia. In almost all high and middle income countries of the world, preterm birth is a leading cause of child death. The effect of preterm birth amongst some survivors may continue throughout life, impairing neuro-developmental functioning through increasing the risk of cerebral palsy, learning impairment and visual disorders and affecting long term physical health with a higher risk of non-communicable diseases. Premature infants have to deal with variety of problems including almost every system of body. Hence the preterm birth is one of the largest single conditions in the global burden of disease analysis given in the high mortality and the considerable risk of lifelong impairment. Methods: The present study was conducted on 100 patients admitted with spontaneous preterm labour with effect from November 2012 to March 2014. The risk factors leading to preterm labour were evaluated along with mode of delivery and neonatal outcome. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the need and success of various monitoring procedures and interventional strategies if they could improve the gestational age and gestational weight to improve perinatal outcome. The neonatologist joined in this study in providing neonatal care to reduce morbidities in these high risk preterm babies. Results: The data was evaluated and significant prolongation of pregnancy in preterm cases was achieved by optimization of preterm births by appropriate management. Conclusions: Identification of various risk factors leading to preterm labour and their proper management at tertiary care centre can improve the neonatal survival.