A woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine whether she is experiencing preterm labour.What finding indicates that preterm labour is occurring?

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Cervical changes such as shortened endocervical length,effacement,and dilation are predictors of imminent preterm labour.Changes in the cervix accompanied by regular contractions indicate labour at any gestation.For preterm labour the time frame is between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation.Estriol is a form of estrogen produced by the fetus that is present in plasma at 9 weeks of gestation.Levels of salivary estriol have been shown to increase before preterm birth.Irregular,mild contractions that do not cause cervical change are not considered a threat.The presence of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions before 35 weeks of gestation could predict preterm labour,but it has only a 25% positive predictive value.Of more importance are other physiological clues of preterm labour,such as cervical changes.

A Woman at 26 Weeks of Gestation Is Being Assessed