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Preventing Premature Births

Some studies revealed that about half a million premature births occur in the United States each year, at a rate that has been increasing by 27% every year since 1981, more often as a result of women postponing childbearing until age 35 or later to become pregnant through infertility treatments.

Although the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have reported that many of the methods used to stop preterm labor are ineffective, most health care providers and pregnant women are concerned if the methods are harmful for both the mother and the baby.

There are also home uterine monitors, which the ACOG has found not effective for predicting or preventing preterm labor, supporting a NICHD research. However, common methods for trying to stop premature births are widely known as effective, including bed rest and prescribed medications to relax those muscles in the uterus involved with labor and delivery.

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