Preterm Labor
Cause
Preterm labor can be caused by a problem involving the baby, the mother, or both. Often a combination of several factors is responsible. But in about 1 out of 3 preterm births, the cause isn't known.Reference 1
Causes of preterm labor include:
- Being pregnant with more than one baby. Women who are pregnant with more than one baby have an increased risk of complications—both for the mother and the babies—and typically deliver early.
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Infection, which can trigger uterine contractions and
Reference preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM). This may include:
- Infections that begin in the vagina, such as Reference bacterial vaginosis (BV) Opens New Window.
- Infections that begin in the urinary tract, such as a Reference urinary tract infection Opens New Window.
- Reference Gum disease Opens New Window.
- Reference Placenta abruptio Opens New Window. This is the early separation of the placenta from the uterus.
- The use of drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine.
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Problems with the uterus or cervix, such as:
- A weak, thin Reference cervix Opens New Window.
- Reference Fibroid Opens New Window growth.
- An abnormally shaped uterus.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 10, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine |
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