Preterm Labor - Cause

Provided by: Healthwise
50% of users found this article helpful.

Cause

Preterm labor can be caused by a problem involving the fetus, the mother, or both. Often a combination of several factors is responsible. In about 30% of cases, the cause of preterm labor is not known.3

Causes of spontaneous preterm labor include:

Some pregnancy complications endanger the mother or the fetus, making it necessary to deliver a baby early. This is called an indicated preterm birth, accounting for 15% to 20% of all preterm births.3 Whenever possible, medication is used to start (induce) a vaginal birth in these cases. However, some conditions require a cesarean delivery. Reasons for indicated preterm birth include some cases of:

  • Preeclampsia, which can affect the mother's liver, kidneys, placenta, and brain. This causes high blood pressure and swelling and sometimes poor fetal blood supply or maternal seizures (eclampsia). For more information, see the topic Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy.
  • Poor fetal growth, known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
  • Placenta previa, when the placenta covers some or all of the opening to the birth canal. This is dangerous for both the mother and her baby because a vaginal birth would cause severe bleeding. To prevent this, a cesarean delivery is done before contractions start, or if there is heavy bleeding. Nearly half of placenta previa deliveries are preterm because of bleeding.4 For more information, see the topic Placenta Previa.
Last Updated: 01/19/2007

© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.

Was this article helpful?
Tell us what you think.

Rate this article:
liked it no thanks

Filter By:

In the Spotlight

Pregnancy and Exercise

Pregnancy can be a great time to get in shape, even if you haven't exercised in a while.

Which Moves are Safe? »

Yahoo! Groups

Join the Conversation:

Join a Yahoo! Group and discuss topics with other members of the group.

All Pregnancy Groups »

Yahoo! Health Videos

My Health

help

Tip of the Day

Provided by: RealAge

Put down that irksome, unsolvable crossword puzzle, and cut yourself some slack for blanking on the final round of Jeopardy. Read More »

View All Tips »

Tell us what you think about Yahoo! Health - Send us your feedback