الفهرس 
introductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 117 |  |  |
| | | from | 117 | | |
Abstract
Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and a substantial portion of all birth-related morbidity. Preterm delivery accounts for 65% of neurological disability in childhood. (14)
A wide spectrum of causes and demographic factors has been implicated in the birth of preterm infants including amniotic fluid and chorioamniotic infections, life style factors, genetic factors, bleeding in early pregnancy and termination of pregnancy for maternal and fetal complications. (128)
Several methods have been used for identification of preterm labor. These included risk scoring systems, history of preterm labor, Assessment of cervical dilatation or incompetent cervix early in pregnancy, sonographic assessment of cervical length, determination of symptoms and signs of preterm labor and estimation of fibronectin and salivary estriol. (31)
A great number of drugs and other interventions like bed rest, hydration and sedation have been used to inhibit preterm labor, but unfortunately, none has been completely effective.