Psychological factors and preterm labour

Abstract

Although Preterm Labour (PTL) is the most important cause of perinatal mortality, its aetiology remains unknown in many cases. Some psychosocial factors could be involved in this condition. However, most studies that have investigated this aspect (Blau et al., 1965; Berkowitz and Kasl, 1983; Gunther, 1963; Newton et al., 1979) were conducted after birth, allowing the experience of delivery to modify the description of the pregnancy feelings. The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychological factors before delivery and to compare patients presenting with PTL to normal controls.