King's College London

Preterm birth rates are on the increase in almost all countries. Midwives are therefore likely to encounter women who are at risk of, or who go on to have a preterm birth or late miscarriage. This article looks at the known causes and risk factors of preterm birth. It then explains the different predictive tests and interventions that may be used in women who are at high risk of having a preterm birth or late miscarriage. This will enable the reader to have a broad overview on how to identify, correctly refer to other specialists, care for and manage women in this growing field.