Health & Pregnancy

The Quest for the Ideal Tests to Predict Preterm Births

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The researchers found a low effectiveness of individual tests to predict SPB, but when multiple tests were used, the sum was greater than the parts. This indicates that the tests generally provide additive information with respect to each other, and that developing a test combining multiple markers for SPB is feasible.

He also said there is a need for further studies of several different combinations of tests to determine their predictive value. These combined tests are not being used in doctors' practices at this time. Until there is a test that can be done in the office or hospital to predict preterm birth, it is generally recommended that pregnant women report to their doctors any preterm discomfort or hardening of the uterus or abdomen, uterine cramping, back ache, thigh ache, and vaginal discharge or bleeding.