Causes and risk factors of Prematurity

Women with a history of premature labour prior to week 34. This is the most important risk factor. The number of premature labours and the gestational age at which the preterm babies were born points to risk in the new pregnancy.

Uterine factors. Uterine surgery, such as conisation or trachelectomy; uterine malformations, such as a septal or bicornuate uterus; myomas that deform the endometrial cavity.

Complications in the current pregnancy. Multiple gestation; bleeding in the 2nd or 3rd trimester; alterations in the volume of amniotic liquid (too much or too little); risk of premature labour; premature rupture of membranes; systemic infection such as pyelonephritis, pneumonia, or appendicitis.

Women of African-American or Afro-Caribbean origin have twice the risk of a premature labour than white women.

Nutrition defined by body mass index (BMI). Very thin women with a BMI less than 19 have a higher risk of prematurity, possibly related to the decreased uterine flow due to malnutrition. Similarly, obesity is also considered a risk factor since adipose tissue produces inflammatory proteins that trigger spontaneous delivery. In addition, these women have a greater risk of maternal complications including high blood pressure and diabetes, which can cause labour to be induced prematurely.

If the period between the birth of one child and a new pregnancy is less than 6 months, the risk of premature labour doubles.

Consumption of tobacco and other toxins. Smokers have a greater risk of premature labour and delayed intrauterine foetal growth.

Social factors. Lower socioeconomic and educational levels, and psychosocial factors such as stress or depression, slightly increase the risk of prematurity.

Initial evaluation in a specialist Prematurity Unit to improve the obstetric result of the pregnancy. In this way, any pregnant woman with a history of gestational loss beyond week 17 of pregnancy or a history of premature labour or premature rupture of membranes before week 34, should be referred to a specific Prematurity Unit. These women benefit from monitoring in specialised Prematurity Units with personalised management involving a series of follow-up ultrasounds, assessment of the influence of infection on prematurity, and the possibility of specific treatment according to the clinical situation (e.g., progesterone, cervical cerclage, pessary, or antibiotics).

If there is a history of prematurity, it is recommended that there is a period between childbirth and a new pregnancy of at least 12 months.

Quitting smoking and avoiding consumption of toxins before, or at any point in the pregnancy. Stopping smoking during the pregnancy reduces the risk of premature labour by up to 20%.

Correction of nutritional shortfalls and anaemia. It is very important to maintain adequate iron levels as anaemia in the 1st or 2nd trimester can increase the risk of premature labour. We suggest an iron supplement only in cases of anaemia.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. We advise a low-fat diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (present in olive oil and oily fish), as well as the consumption of fruits and vegetables. If there is a history of premature labour, commercial preparations containing omega-3 fatty acid supplements may be recommended.

Probiotics. The consumption of dairy products rich in probiotics could reduce the risk of premature labour due to their action on the vaginal flora and the prevention of bacterial vaginosis.