Goals and strategies for prevention of preterm birth: an obstetric perspective.

Complications of prematurity surpass congenital malformations as the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. Since 1990, there has been a steady rise in preterm birth, alarming health professionals from all disciplines. This review from a prenatal perspective confirms those concerns and describes the risks and opportunities that may attend efforts to improve the health of fetuses, newborns, and infants. Fetal and live-born outcomes are included.