Emerging biomarkers and diagnostic tools for the early prediction of adverse prenatal outcomes

Clinical interventions for adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs, 1 in 5 pregnancies) are most effective when administered early ( < 16–28 weeks), however risk-stratification in this window remains challenging. Here we review the main classes of biomarkers (proteins, nucleic acids, bacteria and biometabolites) showing high and early predictive value for the most prevalent APOs (preeclampsia, preterm birth, small for gestational age), and recent technological advances to develop non-invasive prenatal tests for these APOs.