Preterm Birth: How a Test Can Predict If You’re At Risk

One in 10 babies in North America is born too soon, and this number is on the rise. Premature babies—especially those born before 37 weeks of pregnancy—often have to stay for days or weeks in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) as their organs are not mature enough to function on their own without support.

There are a number of risk factors for preterm birth, however, these only predict half the cases, meaning that preterm labour often happens as a surprise, with limited opportunity for a mother and her doctor to prepare.

However, a new test, called the PreTRM Test, can predict whether you are at risk by measuring the proteins in your blood. This can help you better understand what your pregnancy experience might look like so you can take precautions in collaboration with your doctor.

What is preterm birth?

Preterm birth is a pregnancy complication defined as giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. It affects 10 percent of babies in North America, and while not all infants born prematurely face complications, it can lead to severe health problems, and in some cases death.

Even when they are well enough to leave the hospital, babies born early sometimes sustain long-term health issues that put an immense toll on their parents, families and communities.

What are the risk factors of preterm birth?

Risk factors include carrying multiples (like twins or triplets), being younger than 17 or older than 35, experiencing medical complications such as placenta previa, and having had a previous preterm birth.

Unfortunately, even with these risk factors, we are only able to predict premature births about half the time. That’s where the PreTRM Test comes in.

How does the preterm birth test work?

The PreTRM Test is taken during weeks 18 through 20 of pregnancy and measures proteins in the blood that have been shown to be correlated with a higher risk of going into labour early.

After taking the test, your doctor will discuss the results with you and let you know if you are at a higher-than-average risk of preterm birth. You can then work together on a plan to help keep you and your baby healthy.

Since starting to offer this test to pregnant patients in my practice, I have been able to work with high-risk patients to help carry their babies further along in pregnancy, and most have gone to or close to term.

What treatments are available if you are at a higher risk of preterm birth?

The good news is that if you are at an increased risk of preterm delivery, you can work with your doctor to come up with a plan that fits your unique pregnancy and health situation.

This specialized care could include more frequent check-ups to monitor for symptoms, stress reduction techniques, bed rest for part of your pregnancy, as well as treatments to suppress contractions if you do go into labour early.

Each pregnancy is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but several options are available to decrease the risk of complications.

Where can you get the PreTRM test?

Because the test is relatively new, not every healthcare provider offers it as part of routine pregnancy care. If you are interested in taking the PreTRM Test, you can learn more here.