A 35-year-old member asked:
What are the risk factors for preterm labor?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jeff Livingstonanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 24 years experience
Many: There are many risk factors for preterm birth. The best predictor is a previous preterm delivery with a prior pregnancy. Other risk factors include multiple gestation, short cervix, cigarette smoking, being a teenager, short interval between pregnancies, drug use, poor nutrition and being underweight or very overweight.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Not all have risks: Sometimes preterm labor, and even delivery, can happen in women with no known risk factors. If a pregnant woman doesn't have any of the typical risk factors like twins or triplets, bleeding, prior history of preterm birth, etc, she should call her OB if signs or symptoms of premature labor. If she does have those risks, she should be prepared to notify her OB and go to labor & delivery immediately.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 43-year-old member asked:
I have 2 preemies, what are my risks of preterm labor again?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Marilynn Frederiksenanswered
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 49 years experience
Preterm birth: With a history of 2 preterm births, you are at hgh risk for another preterm birth and a candidate for 17-hydroxy Progesterone caproate injections. This is the only known therapy that can reduce your risk of another premature birth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 10, 2014
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