ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS OF PRETERM LABOR

Abstract

Preterm birth is one of the most pressing issues in perinatal medicine, as it remains one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. This issue attracts considerable attention because of the serious consequences for both the mother and the newborn. Studying the etiology and pathogenesis of preterm birth is important to identify risk factors that lead to its development, as well as to develop ways to effectively correct these factors.The scientific literature identifies many factors that contribute to the occurrence of preterm birth, including infectious diseases, reproductive disorders, anatomical abnormalities, chronic diseases, stress, and environmental factors. In particular, infectious factors, such as bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, can lead to inflammatory processes in the mother’s body, which in turn stimulates the mechanisms of preterm labor.The pathogenesis of preterm labor involves a number of biological mechanisms, among which inflammatory reactions, hormonal dysregulation, and activation of the oxytocin system and uterine activity play an important role. In addition, a deteriorating quality of life, increased stress levels, and a lack of healthy lifestyle significantly increase the likelihood of preterm labor. According to statistics, preterm births occur in 5–10% of all pregnancies, which is about 15 million cases per year worldwide.In Ukraine, this figure also remains high and accounts for about 6–8% of all pregnancies. Therefore, an important area for further research is the development of more effective methods of prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of preterm birth, which will help to significantly reduce maternal and perinatal mortality rates and improve the overall health of mothers and newborns.Preterm birth is not only a medical but also a social problem, as it affects the health of future generations and requires significant resources for the treatment and care of preterm infants. Solving this problem requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving early diagnostic methods, developing effective preventive measures, and raising the level of medical education and public awareness of the risk factors for preterm birth.