Thai Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Dec 2012)

Progesterone for Prevention of Preterm Birth

  • Piya Chaemsaithong ,
  • Kasem Raungrongmorakot ,
  • Patama Promsonthi

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 4
pp. 222 – 230

Abstract

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Preterm birth is a major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. It is also the main directed cause of neonatal death globally(1). Preterm birth is responsible for more than 80% of neonatal deaths and 50% of long term morbidity in the surviving infants(1-3). Preterm birth rates have been rising over the past 3 decades. The worldwide incidence of preterm birth is 9.6 % with the highest rate occurs in the least developed regions(4). The increase in assisted reproductive technologies, labor induction or elective cesarean section during preterm period may be responsible for these high rates(2). Various risk factors are associated with preterm birth but only half of them can be identified(5). Although there are many interventions to prevent or treat preterm births, none of them appears to be efficacious(6). Recent evidences showed that progesterone supplementations are helpful to prevent preterm birth. This article pays attention to the role of progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth.

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