Is it possible to safely prevent late preterm and early term births?

Late preterm and early term birth is associated with adverse short- and long-term consequences, particularly for neurodevelopment. A clear reduction in these births can be achieved by avoidance of non-medically indicated births prior to 39 weeks gestation, as shown following the introduction of prohibitive policies in the USA. However, clinicians and policy-makers must always consider the potential for unintended adverse consequences of such action, such as a potential for an increase in term stillbirth.

Source: Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine - November 2, 2018 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Scott W. White, John P. Newnham Source Type: research