In the Netherlands, 7-8% of all babies born prematurely. Often the cause of premature  born and premature birth is unknown. Your history plays a role in the risk of premature birth. Thus, after a premature birth in a previous pregnancy are more likely to in a subsequent pregnancy too early to please. A surgical shortening of the cervix (such asconi a large slab) may play a role.

Daughters of women who used the hormone DES, used sometimes have a short cervix, so the risk of premature birth increases. Other causes may be related to conditions or problems in your current pregnancy, including a multiple pregnancy, an excessive amount of amniotic fluid (hydramnion), inflammation, bleeding in pregnancy, premature rupture of the membranes, weakness of the cervix (cervixinsufficiëntie) and illness of the mother, especially an infectious disease.

Research
In early labor, the study gynecologist to determine whether there is real threat of a premature birth. To assess whether the disclosure is made mostly an internal medical examination (vaginal examination or vaginal ultrasound). This generally occurs only when the membranes are not broken. In broken membranes is vaginal examination with a sterile spreader (speculum) a possibility, but one does not always this research. There are also other studies to condition your and your child to control. Often it takes a culture with a cotton swab from the cervix, the entrance of the vagina or anus for any infections to be identified. The contractions and the response of the child labor that can be assessed using a CTG. This is an abbreviation for Cardiotocogram: a recording of the heartbeat of the child and labor activity. Ultrasound provides information about the location and condition of your child, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the location of the placenta (placenta). This study is also possible to measure length of the cervix. Blood and urine tests may give additional information about your condition and signs of infection such as cystitis. The nurse checks your blood pressure and temperature usually regular, and often also listens to your heart and lungs.