Prevalence of Preterm Labor and that’s Relationship with Risk Factors in Patients referring to Educating Health Centers of Ardabil Province, 2009.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction & Objectives: One of the most important complications of pregnancy in all societies is preterm labor which means of the delivery labor after 20th week and before complication of 37th week of pregnancy. Preterm labor major cause of infant mortality and morbidity. Complications of PTL may be followed by a lifetime disability, and keeping of a premature infant needs some complete and equipment. So definition of prevalence and risk factors can lead to development of preventive methods. Materials and Methods: The present study is of descriptive –analytic and during 6 months 960 pregnant women referring to Educating Health Centers of Ardabil Province were assessed that (480 of them have preterm labor and 480 of them were term). The information gathered through interview and patients medical record. Finally the results were evaluated with SPSS15 software and T test, chi square, Mann –Whitney U and regression statistical test. Results: The prevalence of preterm labor in Ardabil Province educating health centers during the period study was 13.42%. There was a statistics relationship between preterm labor and the following predisposing factors: type of pregnancy (wanted or unwanted), family relationship with husbands, degree family relationship with husbands, education, history of infertility, use of drug, pyelonephrite, pregnancy toxemia, multiple pregnancy, anemia, uterine anomalies, number of parity, number of gravid, gestational age, cervix incompetence, neonate sex, neonate weight, disorders of amniotic fluid. But there was no statistics relationship between the following factors and preterm labor: contraception method, place of residence (city -village), smoking, indirect contact with smoking, use of iron and folic acid, weight, height and age, body mass index, vaginal bleeding, urinary and uterine infection, duration of work time, history of preterm labor, rupture of membranes, Apgar, type of delivery and month and teeth problems, mothers' job, psychological stress, abortion and stillbirth, history of surgery and medical disease. Conclusion: Among the findings of this study, number of parity, number of gravid, anemia, use of drug, type of pregnancy, kinship with husbands, pregnancy toxemia that were defined as risk factors and are relatively preventable, can be reduced by pre –marriage consultation and effective care before pregnancy.