Stillbirth reduction efforts and impact on early births

Abstract

A major justification for the intentional delivery of a pregnancy before 39 weeks' gestation is a reduction in stillbirth. However, there is a considerable downside to late preterm or early term deliveries. Infants born before 39 weeks' gestation are at increased risk for numerous complications and even death. Thus, it is critical to identify which medical problems and circumstances place the fetus at high enough risk for stillbirth so as to justify late preterm or early term birth. This article highlights information pertinent to the pros and cons of iatrogenic preterm birth in pregnancies at risk for stillbirth.

Keywords: Early term birth; Late preterm birth; Placental insufficiency; Stillbirth.