ACOG technical bulletin. Preterm labor. Number 206--June 1995 (Replaces No. 133, October 1989).

Premature delivery is the leading cause of perinatal mortality and long-term neurologic morbidity. Despite intensive efforts, prematurity rates remain unchanged. Although different forms of therapy, such as tocolytic therapy and home uterine activity monitoring, are being used to prevent prematurity, their true benefit and the proper place for their application remain to be established. Continued efforts at risk identification, accurate and early diagnosis, and prompt intervention hold the most promise for prevention of premature delivery. In addition, when preterm birth is imminent, intensive intrapartum care and delivery in a location where access to the appropriate level of neonatal intensive care is available will optimize perinatal outcome.