Pre-term labour screening helps identify women who are at risk of delivering before 37 weeks of pregnancy — sometimes before symptoms even start.
Early detection = early prevention.
- Helps Prevent Premature Birth
Premature babies may face complications like:
- Breathing difficulties
- Low birth weight
- Feeding problems
- NICU admission
Screening allows doctors to start treatment early to reduce the risk of early delivery.
2. Identifies Risk Before Symptoms
Many women don’t notice early warning signs. Screening tools can detect risk silently.
Common screening methods include:
Cervical Length Scan
- Done via transvaginal ultrasound
- Measures cervix length
- A short cervix increases risk of preterm birth
Fetal Fibronectin (fFN) Test
- Vaginal swab test
- Detects a protein that may indicate early labour risk
3. Allows Early Treatment
If screening shows high risk, doctors may give:
- Progesterone therapy
- Cervical cerclage (stitch)
- Pessary support
- Steroid injections (if delivery risk is high)
- Hospital monitoring
These interventions can delay delivery and improve baby’s survival and health.
4. Reduces Emergency Situations
Without screening, preterm labour may happen suddenly.
With screening, doctors can:
- Plan care
- Arrange NICU support if needed
- Transfer to a higher-care hospital early
5. Especially Helpful for High-Risk Women
Screening is particularly useful if you have:
- Previous preterm birth
- Twin or multiple pregnancy
- Short cervix history
- Uterine abnormalities
- Recurrent miscarriages
