Prematurity Prevention

Premature Birth (fetal age < 37 weeks at delivery) is a major causes of newborn injury. The Prematurity Prevention Program at the Antenatal Testing Unit involves reviewing pregnancy history and outcome, obtaining appropriate tests, and following patients who are at risk for preterm delivery. The use of vaginal ultrasound to look at cervical length and dilation (opening of the womb) along with contraction monitoring can help identify women who are at increased risk for preterm delivery such that proper measures can be taken, if needed.