Preterm Labour: prevalence and Possible Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: Preterm deliveries are still high in underprivileged areas, which have led to high infant mortality and co-morbidity rates. 
Objective & Methodology: To measure prevalence of preterm birth at Al-Ameer private hospital and to identify factors associated with preterm delivery. A cross sectional study implemented in Labour ward of Al-Ameer private hospital in Baghdad city in one year duration from 1st of May, 2024 to 30th of April, 2025 on 14967 pregnant women with live birth. Preterm labour was defined as a live birth recording prior 37th  week of pregnancy.
Results: Preterm labour prevalence in the hospital was (9.9%). Main detected risk factors of preterm birth were increased women's age, rural residency, multi-parity, lower educational level, previous induced labour, shorter interpregnancy interval, history of preterm labour, history of miscarriage, history of previous caesarean section, number of antenatal care visits, preeclampsia, newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, medical illness, bleeding, premature rupture of membranes and oligohydraminous. The cesarean section was related to high incidence of prematurity.
Conclusions: The prevalence of preterm birth in Al-Ameer private hospital is within acceptable range.