Preterm birth prevention in a rural practice.

A program for the prevention of preterm births was developed for use in small, nonurban communities. In contrast to other programs, increased emphasis was placed on education and reassessment of "low-risk" women. Potentially preventable preterm births were identified and studied. The potentially preventable preterm birth rate decreased from 3.2% in the 3-year control period to 1.3% during the 2-year study period, a 60% reduction. The preterm neonates who were born during the study period were older, had a greater average birth weight, and had fewer admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit. The percentage of women in preterm labor who presented early enough to receive tocolysis increased from 51% to 98%, and those in preterm labor who delivered at term increased from 56% to 96%. Requiring primarily education and increased awareness, this preterm birth prevention program was successful and inexpensive and may be applicable to similar rural primary care practices.