Preterm labor in the triage setting

Preterm birth is one of the most devastating problems facing obstetrics tod ay. Despite all of the available sophisticated research and therapeutic tec hnology, the preterm birth rate has remained the same for the last 40 years . One birth in 10 occurs prematurely. Preterm labor manifests itself in a v ariety of ways. It is essential to promptly differentiate true preterm labo r from preterm contractions or other conditions that present with similar s ymptoms. True preterm labor requires prompt clinical intervention in the ob stetric triage setting. (C) 1999 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.