Inflammation has been implicated in the mechanisms responsible for preterm and term
parturition, as well as fetal injury. Out of all of the suspected causes of preterm labor and
delivery, infection and/or inflammation is the only pathological process for which both a firm
causal link with preterm birth has been established and a molecular pathophysiology
defined. Inflammation has also been implicated in the mechanism of spontaneous parturition
at term. Most cases of histopathological inflammation and histological chorioamnionitis, both …

Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks' gestation. In 2010, the incidence of
preterm birth in the United States was 12.3% 1 and ranged from 8% to 12% in developed
countries. 2 Despite decades of prematurity research, the incidence of preterm birth has
remained essentially constant—if not increased—in recent years. The clinical presentations
associated with preterm birth are diverse and include preterm labor (PTL), membrane
rupture, and cervical dilatation as well as cramping or spotting. As such, preterm birth …