Prematurity: Genomics & Prevention
CDC information on preterm birth: Women with prior preterm birth are more likely to have preterm birth
Whole blood gene expression profile associated with spontaneous preterm birth in women with threatened preterm labor![External Web Site Icon External Web Site Icon](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tDi6j3k1p9CW3fwK58dJOPh4DhoUIQdEpD6QLKRpbGfeyOoCdYuNJ4Q3hIkmLykwG84cPR6CyxqinRxLL1zVRDPslVF8hxbk6iIx_2XaNoKxQ_Hl9wC8zI=s0-d)
Hen YJ, et al. PLoS One 2014 May 14
Hen YJ, et al. PLoS One 2014 May 14
Novel blood test may help predict impending preterm birth,
Science Daily, May 14
Blood test predicts if false labor is headed for delivery room,
by Nathan Seppa, Science News, May 15
New gene expression test could predict premature birth,
by Phillipa Brice, PHG Foundation, May 16
Did you know? 480 genes have been reported in relation to the risk and outcomes of premature birth, including 2 genomewide association studies? To find out more, visit the HuGE Navigator![External Web Site Icon External Web Site Icon](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tDi6j3k1p9CW3fwK58dJOPh4DhoUIQdEpD6QLKRpbGfeyOoCdYuNJ4Q3hIkmLykwG84cPR6CyxqinRxLL1zVRDPslVF8hxbk6iIx_2XaNoKxQ_Hl9wC8zI=s0-d)
Preterm Birth
A developing baby goes through important growth during the final weeks and months of pregnancy. Many organ systems, including the brain, lungs, and liver need the final weeks of pregnancy to develop fully. Read Your Baby Grows Throughout Your Entire Pregnancy
[PDF-312KB]. There is a higher risk of serious disability or death the earlier the baby is born. Some problems that a baby born too early may face include—
- Breathing problems.
- Feeding difficulties.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Developmental delay.
- Vision problems.
[PDF - 118KB]
- Hearing impairment.
Preterm births also may cause heavy emotional and economic burdens for families. Learn more about preterm birth.
Frequently Asked Questions: For Women and Their Families
Are some women more likely than others to go into preterm labor and deliver early?
Several factors may increase the likelihood that a woman has preterm labor and delivers early. This preterm birth infographic
[PDF - 2.3MB] gives some examples of these factors by medical and pregnancy conditions, behavioral factors, and social, personal, and economic characteristics.
Can anything be done to prevent a preterm birth?
Preventing preterm birth remains a challenge because the causes of preterm births are numerous, complex, and poorly understood. However, pregnant women can take important steps to help reduce their risk of preterm birth and improve their general health. These steps are to—
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs.
- Get prenatal care as soon as you think you may be pregnant and throughout the pregnancy.
- Seek medical attention for any warning signs or symptoms of preterm labor.
What are the warning signs of preterm labor?
In most cases, preterm labor begins unexpectedly and the cause is unknown. Like regular labor, signs of early labor are—
- Contractions (the abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often.
- Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina).
- Pelvic pressure—the feeling that the baby is pushing down.
- Low, dull backache.
- Cramps that feel like a menstrual period.
- Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea.
My last baby was born early. Is there anything I can do in this pregnancy to keep it from happening again?
A progesterone medication
(17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate, or 17P) may prevent preterm birth among women who have had a prior preterm birth. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved hydroxyprogesterone caproate injection (Makena™) to reduce the risk of preterm delivery in pregnant women with a history of delivering early. It is not intended for use in women carrying more than one baby or women with other risk factors for preterm birth. Consult with your health care provider to learn more about this and other drugs, including whether they are safe for use during pregnancy.
I used in vitro fertilization (IVF) or another assisted reproductive technology (ART) to get pregnant. What is my risk of having a preterm birth?
Women who conceived through ART are at higher risk for preterm birth, primarily because they are more likely to be pregnant with more than one baby at a time. More detailed information on ART cycles and preterm birth can be found in the CDC’s 2010 Assisted Reproductive Technology Report.
What should I do if I think I’m experiencing preterm labor?
If you think you are experiencing preterm labor, it is important that you see a doctor right away. If you are having preterm labor, the doctor may be able to give you medicine to help the baby’s lungs mature so that the baby will be healthier at birth.
Is it okay to schedule my baby’s birth once I reach 37 weeks gestation?
Important growth and development occur throughout pregnancy—all the way through the final few weeks. If the mother is healthy, current research indicates that delivery should not be scheduled before 39 weeks gestation.
What is CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health doing to prevent preterm birth?
CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health is engaged in a variety of research and science to practice activities aimed at understanding and reducing preterm births. CDC scientists are collaborating with many partners, including state health departments, university researchers, and other health care professionals to understand why preterm births occur and what can be done to help prevent them. Read about our preterm birth research activities.
Related Links
Preterm Birth (March of Dimes)
The March of Dimes continues its national campaign to help families and communities cope with prematurity.
First Candle
First Candle provides support to families that have experienced the death of an infant by offering support groups and a hotline.
Preterm Births
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) provides information for health care consumers on preterm births and related topics in maternal and child health.
Early Preterm Birth (ACOG) [PDF - 282KB]
This patient education pamphlet was developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
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