Common risk factors of spontaneous preterm labor with intact fetal membranes

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous preterm labour (sPTL) refers to the presence of uterine contractions at least once every 10 minutes associated with cervical effacement of 80% and dilatation of >2 Cm before 37 weeks of gestation with intact foetal membranes. The objective of the study was to determine an association between common risk factors and sPTL with intact foetal membranes. Methods: This case control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Sample of 262 was divided equally into two groups. Low BMI was considered as <18.5 Kg/m², while BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 Kg/m² was considered as normal. Data was analysed using SPSS-20. For categorical variables like BMI, frequencies and percentages were calculated, and for continuous variables like age, Mean±SD were calculated. Odds ratios were calculated as measure of association with calculation of 95% CI. Results: Cases with low BMI were 30 (11.5%), while 4 (1.5%) controls had low BMI. Cases with the past history of preterm delivery were 48 (36.6%), while 4 (3.1%) were from controls. There was a significant difference in BMI and past history of preterm delivery amongst cases and controls (p<0.05). Conclusion: Risk factors like low BMI and past history of preterm delivery are significantly associated with sPTL with intact foetal membranes.

Pak J Physiol 2019;15(3):10-12