U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
A 35-year-old member asked:

What are the risk factors for preterm labor?

2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeff Livingston
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.
Dr. Pam Yoder
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.

Similar questions

A 43-year-old member asked:

I have 2 preemies, what are my risks of preterm labor again?

2 doctor answers3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Marilynn Frederiksen
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.

Related questions

A female asked:
Can eating cornstarch cause preterm labor ?
1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
A 50-year-old member asked:
How to tell if I am going into preterm labor?
1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
A 46-year-old member asked:
I don't understand why I went into preterm labor again?
1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
A 29-year-old female asked:
Is it possible to go into preterm labor for a second time?
1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
A 44-year-old member asked:
What are my chances of going into labor on my own? Early, or even preterm?
1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
Last updated Jun 10, 2014

People also asked

Related topics

Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.