Preterm labour is defined as the onset of labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy and has an incidence rate of 5-10%. It can be caused by maternal medical disorders like preeclampsia, foetal congenital anomalies, or may have no identifiable cause. Premature infants are at risk for birth trauma like intracranial hemorrhage. They also face risks like respiratory distress syndrome where their underdeveloped lungs lack sufficient surfactant, causing breathing difficulties and potential death. Other risks include hypothermia due to reduced heat production and increased heat loss in underdeveloped preterm infants.

1. Preterm Labour

2. DefinitionIt is onset of labour before completed 37 weeks of pregnancy.Incidence-5-10%.

3. AetiologyMaternal causesFoetal causesIdiopathic.

4. Maternal causes 1. Medical disorders: > Preeclampsia. > Chronic nephritis. > Anaemia and malnutrition. 2.Antepartum haemorrhage: > Placenta praevia. > Abruptioplacentae3. Uterine anomalies: > Septate uterus. > Incompetent cervix. > Fibroid uterus. 4.Psychological or hormonal.

5. Foetal causes> Congenital anomalies. > Intrauterine foetal death.> Polyhydramnios.> Multiple pregnancy.> Rh-isoimmunization. > Premature rupture of membranes.

6. Risk of PrematurityBirth trauma: particularly intracranial haemorrhage which is aggravated by hypoprothrombinaemia and capillary fragility present in prematures.

7. Risk of PrematurityBirth trauma: particularly intracranial haemorrhage which is aggravated by hypoprothrombinaemia and capillary fragility present in prematures.

8. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS):occurs due to deficient pulmonary surfactant which helps distension of the alveoli. A structureless hyaline membrane will develop within the alveolar ducts and atelectasis of the alveoli occurs.

9. Dyspnoea and cyanosis develops 1-2 hours after delivery and death occurs after about 30 hours.Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS):> RDS is seen also in infants; to diabetic mothers,delivered by caesarean sections, or had intrapartum asphyxia.>Treatment: oxygen and 8.4 % sodium bicarbonate infusion to combat acidosis.

10. Hypothermia as a result ofa.Decreased heat production due to; > reduced muscle activity and hypoglycaemia.b.Increased heat loss due to; >large surface area relative to body weight, > lack of insulating fat, > immaturity of the heat regulating center.