Preterm Birth

Preterm birth is an increasing challenge in the developed and developing world. As we begin to understand what contributes to the likelihood of preterm birth, obstetricians and gynecologists can advise mothers and aspiring mothers on how to minimize the risks. Doctors can also monitor those patients who are likely to be at risk to increase the chances of preventing or effectively managing preterm labor. This practical book provides a clinically focused approach to the prevention and management of premature births, using the best available evidence to provide clear guidance to obstetricians, gynecologists, nurse midwives and family practitioners.   Written for an international audience, the author addresses the special issues affecting patients in the developing world, including infectious- and poverty-related preterm birth. Each of the 30 chapters follows a wealth of practical features: Key points and chapter summaries Algorithms, tables and graphs Summary of the evidence-based literature Easy-to-use clinical guidelines Vincenzo Berghella , MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA CONTENTS 1. Impact of Preterm Birth The global burden of PTB (M Merialdi). 2. Preterm birth as a complex disease. 3. Why prevention. 4. Epidemiology of preterm birth. 5. Biology of term versus preterm labor. 6. Genetic . 7. The cervix. 8. Inflammation and Infection. 9. Endocrine. Clinical Guidelines. Primary prevention. 10. Preventive issues for all gravidas. 11. Smoking (J Tolosa). 12. Prior preterm birth. 13. Short cervical length. 14. Fetal fibronectin (Andrews). 15. Bacterial vaginosis (Klebanoff). 16. Sexually transmitted infections . 17. Low maternal weight. 18. Multiple gestation. 19. Others.Tertiary prevention. 20. Asymptomatic cervical changes. 21. Preterm labor. 22. Preterm premature rupture of membranes. 23. Induced preterm birth. 24. Promotion of fetal maturation. 25. Place, mode of delivery and post-partum. 26. Neonatal care and long-term implications. 27. Special issues for the developing world. 28. Ethical and psychological issues related to preterm birth. 29. Future Research. 30. Appendix A: Information for patients