Drugs for the Treatment and Prevention of Preterm Labor

Clin Perinatol. 2019 Jun;46(2):159-172. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2019.02.001.

Abstract

Preterm birth can be medically-indicated or spontaneous. Almost half of spontaneous preterm deliveries are preceded by preterm labor. Preterm labor is a clinical diagnosis characterized by regular uterine contractions (painful or painless) with concomitant cervical change. This article discusses the prevention and treatment of spontaneous preterm labor utilizing progesterone and tocolytic agents and provides management recommendations in patients with and without a history of prior spontaneous preterm birth.

Keywords: Preterm labor; Prevention; Progesterone; Tocolytics; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnesium Sulfate / therapeutic use
  • Nitric Oxide Donors / therapeutic use
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / drug therapy*
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy
  • Progesterone / therapeutic use*
  • Progestins / therapeutic use*
  • Receptors, Oxytocin / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Tocolytic Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
  • Nitric Oxide Donors
  • Progestins
  • Receptors, Oxytocin
  • Tocolytic Agents
  • Progesterone
  • Magnesium Sulfate