Prematurity and Stillbirth: Causes and Prevention

Preterm birth, defined as birth prior to 37 weeks gestation, is the leading cause of under-five child mortality worldwide. Preterm birth can be spontaneous or medically indicated, in which cesarean delivery or induction of labor is performed to avoid the risks of continued pregnancy. Preterm birth and stillbirth have been associated with multiple risk factors, including demographic, environment, genetic, placental, nutritional, microbial, and infectious factors, among others. Further study of these factors and their associated pathways may lead to discovery of more direct ways to control the biology of pregnancy and, ultimately, the prevention of preterm birth and stillbirth.