The continuing challenge of preterm delivery

Article Abstract:

Research on causes of preterm delivery is essential for public health efforts to lower the rate of perinatal mortality. Preterm delivery is childbirth that occurs prior to 37 weeks' gestation. Perinatal mortality refers to stillbirth or infant death shortly after birth. A study comparing perinatal mortality in relation to birth weights in the US and Norway found that the higher US perinatal mortality rate was associated mostly with the higher number of preterm births rather than with a lower average birth weight in general. Despite efforts to reduce preterm deliveries in the US, the rate rose over 1% between 1981 and 1992, even though the percentage of women receiving early prenatal care remained steady at 74%. This suggests that more research needs to focus on physiological causes of preterm delivery, as well as possible preventive measures.

Editorial, Demographic aspects, Birth weight, Low, Low birth weight

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Rates of and Factors Associated With Recurrence of Preterm Delivery

Article Abstract:

Pregnant women who have a premature delivery have an increased risk of delivering prematurely in a subsequent pregnancy. This was the conclusion of researchers who analyzed the first and second pregnancies of 122,722 white women and 56,174 black women. Of those who had a premature delivery during the first pregnancy, 8% of white women and 13% of black women had a premature delivery during the second. Compared to older women, women younger than 18 years old had twice the risk of a second premature delivery if their first baby was also prematurely delivered.

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Prognostic Value of 24-Hour Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Article Abstract:

A device that monitors blood pressure 24 hours a day can identify pregnant women with true hypertension and those who only have white-coat hypertension (WCH). WCH is elevated blood pressure that only occurs when blood pressure is measured in a doctor's office. Researchers analyzed birth outcomes in 254 pregnant women who used a device more measuring blood pressure 24 hours a day. Only those with high blood pressure throughout the 24-hour period were more likely to have preeclampsia, premature births, or low-birth-weight babies.

Hypertension, Diagnosis, Preeclampsia

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