1. Preterm Labour

2. Definition It is onset of labour before completed 37 weeks of pregnancy. Incidence-5-10%.

3. Aetiology Maternal causes Foetal causes Idiopathic.

4. Maternal causes 1. Medical disorders: > Preeclampsia. > Chronic nephritis. > Anaemia and malnutrition. 2.Antepartum haemorrhage: > Placenta praevia. > Abruptioplacentae 3. Uterine anomalies: > Septate uterus. > Incompetent cervix. > Fibroid uterus. 4.Psychological or hormonal.

5. Foetal causes > Congenital anomalies. > Intrauterine foetal death. > Polyhydramnios.> Multiple pregnancy. > Rh-isoimmunization. > Premature rupture of membranes.

6. Risk of Prematurity Birth trauma: particularly intracranial haemorrhage which is aggravated by hypoprothrombinaemia and capillary fragility present in prematures.

7. Risk of Prematurity Birth trauma: particularly intracranial haemorrhage which is aggravated by hypoprothrombinaemia and capillary fragility present in prematures.

10. Hypothermia as a result of a.Decreased heat production due to; > reduced muscle activity and hypoglycaemia. b.Increased heat loss due to; >large surface area relative to body weight, > lack of insulating fat, > immaturity of the heat regulating center.