Preterm delivery

1. Big picture

Preterm delivery means birth before fetal maturity is complete, classically before 37 completed weeks of gestation. It is one of the most important obstetric topics because it is a major cause of perinatal mortality, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular haemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, long-term neurodevelopmental impairment, and cerebral palsy.

For the oral exam, think in this order:

Threatened preterm birth
        ↓
Confirm gestational age and viability
        ↓
Is labour true or false?
        ↓
Are membranes intact or ruptured?
        ↓
Is there infection, bleeding, fetal compromise, or maternal danger?