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Preterm birth in a French population: the importance of births by medical decision
Author(s) -
Papiernik E.,
Zeitlin J.,
Rivera L.,
Bucourt M.,
Topuz B.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1046/j.1471-0528.2003.02323.x
Subject(s) - singleton , obstetrics , medicine , premature rupture of membranes , caesarean section , gestation , gestational age , premature birth , population , rupture of membranes , preterm labour , pregnancy , pediatrics , genetics , environmental health , biology
This analysis describes the prevalence of preterm birth by medical decision among 50,307 live births from the district of Seine‐Saint‐Denis in France, using a classification that distinguishes between medically decided preterm births associated with premature rupture of membranes and those for other reasons. Thirty‐seven percent of singleton and 28% of twin preterm births result from labour induction or a caesarean section in the absence of labour. One‐quarter of singleton indicated preterm births are associated with premature rupture of membranes. Between 28 and 31 weeks of gestation, 40% of all singleton preterm births result from a medical decision not associated with premature rupture of membranes. The high levels of indicated preterm birth must be taken into account in evaluations of preterm birth rates and trends in developed countries.