Prevention and treatment of preterm labor.

Premature delivery occurs in about 10 percent of pregnancies. The complications of prematurity account for two-thirds of all neonatal morbidity and mortality not caused by congenital defects. The key to managing preterm labor is early recognition of the condition and swift institution of appropriate measures to prevent delivery. Treatment includes bed rest and therapy with tocolytic drugs, such as ritodrine, terbutaline and magnesium sulfate. Educational programs aimed at high-risk patients can also decrease the incidence of preterm births.