Risk factors associated with preterm birth in the Dominican Republic: a case-control study

Abstract

Maternal age greater than 35 years, previous preterm birth, family history of preterm births and prelabour rupture of membranes were independent risk factors for preterm birth. Adolescence, pregnancy weight gain and prenatal consultations, on the other hand, were protective factors for preterm birth. Although the prevalence of premature births in this study was 25%, this could have been biased.