Prematurity and Complications of Labor and Delivery

Prematurity is a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality in the United States and around the world. This chapter highlights the prevalence, risk factors, and causes of preterm birth, provides a brief overview of the physiology of the preterm infant brain, and reviews current literature on preterm birth prevention strategies. We discuss the diagnostic approach for a pregnant person at risk of preterm birth, as well as how to best care for and safely transport the pregnant person or neonate to a tertiary care center. We also review fetal monitoring approaches, management of labor and delivery, and antenatal interventions to prevent neonatal brain injury including use of antenatal corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate.