To predict preterm birth, the provider must determine the patient’s risk factors for preterm labor. Once the risk factors are established, they can devise a plan to help prevent preterm birth. Unfortunately, 50% of preterm births occur in women with no risk factors. For that reason, every pregnancy needs to be monitored closely and every woman needs to be aware of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor.

Women who have had prior preterm deliveries, women pregnant with two or more babies, and women with known abnormalities of their uterus or cervix are at higher risk. Other women who also have an increased risk for premature delivery include:

• women with vaginal bleeding after the fourth month of the pregnancy
• women less than 17 years old
• women who smoke
• women who start the pregnancy below their ideal body weight
• women who have stressful jobs that require prolonged standing

Most of these risk factors can be identified during the early part of the pregnancy, but some risk factors do develop later. Thankfully, even women with the highest risk for preterm birth, usually deliver at term, or after 37 weeks.