Preventing Preterm Birth in High-Risk Women with Singleton Pregnancies

Complications of prematurity are the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally, with previous studies suggesting most benefit from vaginal or intramuscular (IM) progesterone for preventing preterm birth in high-risk pregnancies. Whether a single best strategy exists remains unclear.

Researchers conducted a network meta-analysis of 61 randomized controlled trials of various interventions in 17,000 pregnant women who were identified as high-risk for spontaneous preterm singleton birth due to short cervical length or history of spontaneous preterm birth. Interventions assessed included bed rest, cervical cerclage, cervical pessaries, progestogens (oral, intramuscular, or vaginal), zinc, fish oil, ω-3 fatty acids, antibiotics, t…