Prevention And Management Of Preterm Labor

The following definitions are used in this guideline:

• Preterm Birth (PTL): Any birth occurring after viability but before 37 completed weeks of gestation (less than 259 days).
• Spontaneous Preterm Labor: The presence of regular, painful uterine contractions occurring before 37 weeks of gestation, accompanied by progressive cervical effacement and/or dilatation.
• Threatened Preterm Labor: Regular uterine contractions before 37 weeks of gestation with or without cervical changes, where progressive Labor has not yet been established.
• Short Cervix: A sonographic measurement of cervical length of less than 25 mm via transvaginal scan (TVUS) obtained with an empty bladder.
• Progesterone Therapy: Prophylactic administration of vaginal or oral progesterone to reduce the risk of preterm birth in high-risk women.
• Cervical Cerclage: A surgical procedure involving the placement of a suture around the cervix to provide mechanical support, typically indicated for cervical insufficiency.
• Tocolysis: The pharmacological inhibition of uterine contractions, primarily used to delay delivery for up to 48 hours to allow for the administration of corticosteroids and/or in-utero transfer.