Progesterone and Prevention of Preterm Labor.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of vaginal progesterone in the prolongation of duration of pregnancy in women at highrisk of developing preterm labor. Material and methods: This is a prospective case-control study carried out in the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SN Medical College, Agra on 100 patients chosen from inpatient and outpatient department (50 cases and 50 controls). Women with singleton pregnancy having history of preterm labor, uterine malformation, prophylactic cerclage, currently suffering from premature pains were given daily vaginal progesterone 200 mg from 24 weeks and discontinued at 34 weeks of gestation. In both groups rate of preterm labor and neonatal outcome was determined. Results: The incidence of preterm labor in progesterone group was 17.8% and in control group 36%, p value is <0.05. Conclusion: Administration of progesterone in women at high-risk of developing preterm labor reduces the incidence of preterm labor, neonatal mortality and morbidity and increases baby weight <2.5 kg.