Preterm birth is any birth that happens between 20 weeks of gestation and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation. In Europe, it is defined after 22 weeks and before 37 weeks of gestation. The gestation can be dated using first-trimester ultrasound. In the US, approximately 12% of the births are preterm, while in Europe it varies between 5-18%.The diagnosis is made based on clinical criteria which include: cervical dilation of at least 2cm and/or cervical effacement, which happens with regular uterine contractions. It may happen with or without rupture of membrane. Preterm<unk>  and delivery is associated to many risks for the babies such as: respiratory distress syndrome, periventricular leukomalacia, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset infection, retinopathy of prematurity, cerebral palsy and other adverse neurological outcomes.
Preterm labor and birth
Preterm labour
Forceps in childbirth
Breech birth
Premature birth
Stillbirth
Obstetrical hemorrhage
Premature rupture of membranes