Prevention and treatment of preterm labor
Hueston, W.J.
American Family Physician 40(5): 139-146
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-838X PMID: 2683688 Document Number: 331856
Premature delivery occurs in about 10 percent of pregnancies. The complications of prematurity account for two-thirds of all neonatal morbidity and mortality not caused by congenital defects. The key to managing preterm labor is early recognition of the condition and swift institution of appropriate measures to prevent delivery. Treatment includes bed rest and therapy with tocolytic drugs, such as ritodrine, terbutaline and magnesium sulfate. Educational programs aimed at high-risk patients can also decrease the incidence of preterm births.