Infection and preterm labor

A major question in the understanding of preterm labor is whether this process results from premature activation of the physiologic mechanisms involved in the onset of parturition at term. Although term and preterm labor share a common terminal pathway (uterine contractions and cervical dilatation), the major difference may reside in the regulatory signals responsible for the activation of this process. Growing evidence suggests that intrauterine infection is associated with preterm labor and delivery. This article will critically review the evidence supporting such an association. The cellular and biochemical mechanisms proposed to mediate this pathologic process will be discussed. Finally, the relationship between genitourinary tract colonization with specific organisms and prematurity will be examined.