Could the consequences of premature delivery be further attenuated by means of new prenatal strategies?

[Risk factors for pre-term birth in Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil]

The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with pre-term birth among live births in a hospital in Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil. Cases consisted of 328 pre-term births, and controls were 369 births with gestational age greater than 37 weeks. A multiple hierarchical logistic regression analysis was carried out. There was a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between pre-term birth and the following variables: socioeconomic status (slum residence); low age of head-of-family; maternal BMI < 19 or > 30 kg/m2; history of prematurity; history of assisted reproduction; mothers in a relationship for less than two years; maternal stress; weekly maternal alcohol consumption; insufficient prenatal care; gestational complications such as bleeding, genital tract infection, altered amniotic fluid volume, high blood pressure, and hospital admission; and twin pregnancy. Regular walks during pregnancy were a protective factor. Improved quality of prenatal care and the identification of the above factors during pregnancy may help reduce premature birth.