A Pragmatic Approach to the Prevention of Preterm Birth

Preterm birth (PTB) -delivery before 37 weeks of gestation- occurs in ~8% of Canadian pregnancies, a rate that has remained stable for >20 years. Prematurity remains the leading cause of neonatal mortality- especially at the extreme of viability: 22–26 weeks gestation. Children born prematurely have increased rates of cerebral palsy, global neurodevelopmental impairment, learning disabilities, deafness, vision impairment and behavioural diagnoses. Hospital length of stay and re-admission rates in the first year of life are higher in babies born preterm. The family impact is immeasurable in the domains of mental health diagnoses, financial health, and disordered social interactions. Prematurity has a longitudinal impact on reproductive and public health with an increased risk of occurrence in subsequent pregnancies.