Pathogenesis and Prognosis of Prematurity

Abstract

Influences during Pregnancy on PrematurityComplications of PregnancyA significant correlation undeniably exists between gestational age and birth weight, so that artificial termination of pregnancy is an uncontested cause of low birth weight. From 10 to 15 per cent of premature births result from purposeful obstetric intervention,⁵⁰ generally because of previous cesarean section, toxemia, abruptio placentae, placenta previa, diabetes mellitus, pelvic abnormalities or rising Rh antibody titer. However, even here a note of caution should be introduced because population groups are not uniform in likelihood of receiving such intervention. Although one might logically suppose that women who have had more . . .