Unfortunately, the incidence of premature birth has not decreased during the past 40 years.  In the United States, preterm delivery affects approximately one in 10 births and is the cause of at least 75% of neonatal deaths, excluding those related to congenital malformations.

In most cases, the cause of preterm labor is not diagnosed.  In fact, half of the women who go into preterm labor have no known risk factors.  At this time, preterm labor cannot be prevented.  We can only do the next best thing -- identify it early and treat it as effectively as possible to help the pregnancy continue.

Below you will find answers to many of your questions.  Sometimes, just knowing more about what's going on provides you with a much needed foundation for maintaining your sanity.