Prophylactic administration of vaginal progesterone reduces the risk of preterm birth

Abstract EN

Objective : To evaluate the effects of vaginal progesterone in reducing the risk of preterm delivery in women with short cervix.

Setting : Dept.

of Obstet.

and Gyncol., Babylon Maternity Hospital, Ultrasound unit, 2008-2009 Materials and methods : Prospective Follow up study carried for 2 years, cervical length was measured by vaginal ultrasound in 313 women with history of preterm delivery (one or subsequent type), 46 women with cervical length of < 28 mm was evaluated further and divided in 2 group, study group which include 19 pregnant women received 200 Mg micronized vaginal progesterone, , daily which is identical to progesterone of ovarian origin.

Other control group of 27 pregnant women received no treatment, outcome regarding preterm labor before 32weeks was evaluated, together with neonatal outcome.

Results : the study shows, 1-the incidence of preterm labor was low in progesterone group when compared with the other group.

2-admission to baby care unit was lower in 1st group, with shorter stay.

Conclusion : vaginal progesterone may reduce the risk of preterm labor in women with short cervix.