Hormonal biomarkers and preterm birth: insights from a study of pregnant women in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective. Reduced calciferol (vitamin D) levels in pregnant women have been associated with an increased risk to infant health. Progesterone sustains pregnancy and reduces the risk of premature birth through its metabolites affecting myometrial contractility. Sex hormone-binding globulin protein (SHBG) is a biomarker of premature birth. The present study aimed to find out if early pregnancy levels of vitamin D, SHBG, and progesterone metabolites may predict preterm birth risk.

Keywords

• 11-deoxycorticosterone
• vitamin d
• preterm birth
• shbg
• 16α-hydroxyprogesterone