Preterm Labor
What Increases Your Risk
A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of having a problem.
Risk factors related to your pregnancy
- Pregnancy with twins, triplets, or more.
- Infection in the urinary or reproductive tract, including the vagina.
- Reference Shortened cervix or Reference incompetent cervix Opens New Window.
Risk factors related to your medical history
- A past preterm delivery.
- Previous surgery on your
Reference cervix Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window, such as a
Reference cone biopsy Opens New Window. Having a
Reference loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) Opens New Window also
raises preterm labor risk.Reference 2
Other risk factors
- Being younger than 18 years.
- Cigarette smoking during pregnancy.
- Use of cocaine or methamphetamine.
| 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 |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
