- Researchers are working to identify the causes of premature birth.
- In progress: new treatments to prevent or halt preterm labor.
- Medical breakthroughs improve the care of premature babies.
Three groups of women are at greatest risk. These include women who have had a previous premature birth, women who are pregnant with twins or more, and women with certain abnormalities of the uterus and cervix. Treatment during pregnancy with the hormone progesterone can help reduce the risk of another premature birth in some women who have had a previous premature birth. These women should discuss with their health care provider whether this treatment is right for them.
