The use of progesterone and other progestational agents to prevent spontaneous preterm labour and preterm birth.

BACKGROUND

Preterm birth is the major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity in the developed world, making a huge impact on healthcare costs. There is accumulating evidence that the prophylactic use of progestagens is able to reduce significantly the incidence of low birth weight and preterm birth.

OBJECTIVES

to emphasise the importance of preterm birth; to review the role of progesterone in inducing myometrial quiescence which prevent preterm labour and preterm birth; to review the published literature and planned future research on the use of progestagens for the prevention of preterm birth.

METHODS

A review of the published literature using accepted search engines.

RESULTS/

CONCLUSIONS

Progestagens have been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of low birth weight and preterm birth. Many questions remain unanswered, particularly the long-term safety concerns and also whether the use of progestagens results in improved neonatal and childhood outcomes.