Preterm Labor: Approach to Decreasing Complications of Prematurity

Obstetricians play a relevant role in minimizing neonatal morbidity and mortality for women in preterm labor. Tocolytic agents can delay preterm birth for at least 2 days, thus allowing the administration of antenatal corticosteroid and in-utero transfer to appropriate neonatal health care settings, interventions that reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. Antibiotics besides group B streptococcus prophylaxis are not indicated. The benefit/risk ratio of amniocentesis has not been assessed yet. Magnesium sulfate significantly reduces the risk of cerebral palsy. Cesarean delivery benefits fetuses in breech presentation and those severely growth restricted at <34 weeks. In preterm infants delayed clamping is associated with significant benefits.