Challenges in spontaneous preterm birth

Abstract

Preterm birth, defined as a delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation, the number one cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. It accounts for approximately 75% of all neonatal deaths. The risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality is inversely related to gestational age at birth. In this thesis we reported trends in preterm birth rate in the Netherlands over the past years. Furthermore different risk factors and preventive strategies for preterm birth were evaluated