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

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Cervical changes such as shortened endocervical length,effacement,and dilation are predictors of imminent preterm labor.Changes in the cervix accompanied by regular contractions indicate labor at any 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 between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation could predict preterm labor,but it has only a 20% to 40% positive predictive value.Of more importance are other physiologic clues of preterm labor such as cervical changes.

A Woman at 26 Weeks of Gestation Is Being Assessed