Rates of preterm birth range between 6% and 12% in developed countries,
and can be generally higher in developing countries. Bacterial vaginosis
during pregnancy has been implicated as one of the underlying factors
associated with preterm delivery.
Key messages
􀃎 Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is implicated in preterm birth, the leading
cause of neonatal mortality in both developed and developing countries.
􀃎 There are evidence that antibiotic treatment of bacterial vaginosis reduce the
incidence of prelabour rupture of membranes, low birth weight and preterm
birth.
􀃎 Further research is needed to clarify whether screening and treatment of bacterial
vaginosis before 20 weeks’ gestation improves maternal and neonatal
outcomes, especially in under-resourced settings.