Perinatology.  2016 Dec;27(4):195-204. 10.14734/PN.2016.27.4.195.

Obstetrical Management of Late Preterm Pregnancy

• Chung JH

• KMID: 2367030
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14734/PN.2016.27.4.195

Abstract

The neonatal risks of late preterm (34 0/7-36 6/7 weeks of gestation) births are well established. Late preterm birth results from spontaneous, indicated, and sometime elective indications. Prediction and prevention of preterm birth is currently largely aimed at identifying women at high risk such as those with previous preterm birth, and targeting intervention at this group. Both cervical length assessment and fibronectin testing permit some modification of the likelihood of preterm birth in this group. Progesterone treatment for the prevention of preterm birth is currently being researched widely, and appears a potentially promising strategy. The burden of prematurity can be decreased if elective late preterm delivery is eliminated. However, there are a number of maternal, fetal, and placental complications in which a late preterm delivery is warranted. The timing of delivery in such cases must balance the maternal and newborn risks of late preterm delivery with the risks of further continuation of pregnancy. Decisions regarding timing of delivery must be individualized. The following is a review of obstetric decision-making for late preterm pregnancies.

Keyword

Fetal lung maturation; Late preterm birth; Prematurity

MeSH Terms

Female
Fibronectins
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Parturition
Pregnancy*
Premature Birth
Progesterone
Fibronectins
Progesterone