[Psychosocial risk factors and preterm delivery].

Delivery before term (at less than 37 weeks of gestation) represents 5 to 10% of the deliveries and is an important cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Few improvements in prevention have been made. Difficulties include the multiplicity of medical risk factors, the absence of reliable diagnostic tests and the limited effectiveness of medical treatment. Several studies have shown that psychosocial risk factors are associated with preterm labour. The identification and management of these risk factors and of unfavorable social environment may potentially reduce the risk of preterm delivery. We describe and discuss the studies evaluating psychosocial interventions aiming at reducing the risk of prematurity.