Progestogens Effective for Preventing Pre-term Birth in Single Pregnancies

A new research review from AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program found that that there is moderate evidence that progestogen treatments such as 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHP) prevent pre-term birth when used for women who are having only one child and who have a history of spontaneous preterm birth. Progestogen is a hormone that inhibits the uterus from contracting and is involved in maintaining pregnancy. A lack of research is available to evaluate progestogens’ influence on near-term outcomes like neonatal death and birth defects. These findings can be found in the research review, Progestogens for Prevention of Preterm Birth.

Research Review - Final – Sept. 7, 2012