Risk factors for preterm labour

ABSTRACT

To identify most common risk factors related with preterm labour existing in the study area and to recommend some suggestions for preventive measures in high risk patients. It was a case control [analytical-observational] study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit-I, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. From 16[th] April 2005 to 16t October 2005. Fifty eligible consecutive cases and 250 matched controls were selected by purposive sampling technique. Results revealed that preterm labour was more prevalent in patients with previous history of preterm labour or second trimester miscarriages with odds ratio 4.3. Preterm labour was associated with bacterial vagenosis and cervical incompetence with odds ratio 18.6 and 3.4 respectively. Twin pregnancies and anaemia were also significant factors for preterm labour with odds ratio 4.7 and 2.6 respectively. Previous preterm labour, second trimester miscarriages, bacterial vagenosis, twin pregnancies and anaemia proved to be risk factors for preterm labour