Preterm labor and delivery

We follow up these cases starting in early pregnancy, we even advise them to come for a pre-pregnancy consultation in an attempt to diagnose andtreat different causes of preterm delivery, since some cases may need a hysteroscopy (key hole surgery through the neck of the womb), cutting of adhesions in the womb cavity or treatment of chronic infections in the neck of the womb.

During such pregnancies, Professor doctor Sherif Ashoush follows up the dimensions of the neck of the womb and the blood flow in the womb and the baby by ultrasonography, as well as the level of progesterone (pregnancy) hormone.

Some cases may need cervical cerclage (stitch placing in the neck of the womb) at the end of the first trimester or an extended treatment throughout pregnancy to suppress womb contractions.

Cases of preterm labor usually need close follow-up to avoid problems which may induce uterine contractions and raise the risk of preterm delivery. Some cases may need to be admitted to hospital for rest, emergency cervical cerclage, or intravenous tocolysis (medical treatment to suppress uterine contractions).

Many cases need supplementation with micronized progesterone , since this is one of the safest medications to use in the long term prevention plans. Some cases may also need medications to stop uterine contractions before they start progressing to true labor, including tablets of nifedipine, infusion of magnesium salts, or oxytocin (uterine contractions–inducing hormone) antagonists.