What are some factors that contribute to an increased risk of preterm birth?

What are some factors that contribute to an increased risk of preterm birth?

• A. Single gestation, infection, and obesity
• B. Multiple gestation, infection, and previous preterm birth
• C. Advanced maternal age and low socioeconomic status
• D. High blood pressure and diabetes

Answer: (B)

The choice highlighting multiple gestation, infection, and previous preterm birth accurately reflects well-documented risk factors associated with increased preterm birth rates. Multiple gestation, such as twins or higher-order multiples, places additional strain on the mother's body, making preterm labor more likely due to the increased demands on resources and potential complications. Infections, including urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections, can also trigger preterm labor by causing inflammation or stimulating uterine contractions. Furthermore, a history of previous preterm birth is one of the strongest predictive factors for future preterm deliveries, as it suggests an underlying susceptibility in the mother that could also be present in subsequent pregnancies. Other choices present factors that may contribute to pregnancy complications but do not specifically correlate with increased risks of preterm birth to the same extent. For instance, while advanced maternal age and low socioeconomic status do have implications for overall maternal and fetal health, they are less directly linked to preterm labor compared to the reasons provided in the selected choice. High blood pressure and diabetes, although they can lead to complications in pregnancy, are typically managed with medical interventions aimed at prolonging the pregnancy rather than being directly tied to the risk of preterm birth like the factors mentioned in your selected answer.

The choice highlighting multiple gestation, infection, and previous preterm birth accurately reflects well-documented risk factors associated with increased preterm birth rates.

Multiple gestation, such as twins or higher-order multiples, places additional strain on the mother's body, making preterm labor more likely due to the increased demands on resources and potential complications. Infections, including urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections, can also trigger preterm labor by causing inflammation or stimulating uterine contractions. Furthermore, a history of previous preterm birth is one of the strongest predictive factors for future preterm deliveries, as it suggests an underlying susceptibility in the mother that could also be present in subsequent pregnancies.

Other choices present factors that may contribute to pregnancy complications but do not specifically correlate with increased risks of preterm birth to the same extent. For instance, while advanced maternal age and low socioeconomic status do have implications for overall maternal and fetal health, they are less directly linked to preterm labor compared to the reasons provided in the selected choice. High blood pressure and diabetes, although they can lead to complications in pregnancy, are typically managed with medical interventions aimed at prolonging the pregnancy rather than being directly tied to the risk of preterm birth like the factors mentioned in your selected answer.