?Can Serum Progesterone Level Be Used As A Predictor Of Preterm Labor

Abstract

pontaneous preterm delivery is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and is the most common reason for hospitalization during pregnancy. Preterm delivery (birth before 37 weeks’ gestation) is further delineated into very early preterm (before 32 weeks), early preterm (32 0/7 to 33 6/7 weeks), and late preterm (34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks). A recent reduction in preterm deliveries in the United States may partially be the result of newer recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These recommendations include progesterone treatment for those at high risk of preterm delivery, stricter guidelines for assisted reproductive technology, and the reduction of elective early term deliveries before 39 weeks’ gestation (because of the possibility of incorrect estimation of gestational age, these infants could potentially be born preterm).