Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality both in developed and
developing countries. Global estimates for 2001 suggest that 24% of neonatal deaths
are due to complications of prematurity. Preterm labour is the most common cause
for antenatal hospitalization in developed countries.
Key messages
􀃎 The burden on the health system of neonatal intensive care due to prematurity
is substantial.
􀃎 Successful delay of preterm labour could provide adequate time to administer
corticosteroids and transport the mother to a referral hospital with facilities to
manage preterm neonates
􀃎 Betamimetics are effective in delaying birth for 48 hours in women with preterm
labour but are associated with side-effects and no impact has been shown on
perinatal outcomes.