Preterm birth is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, or more than three weeks before their due date. Babies that are born too early can suffer from serious breathing problems, infections, poor brain development and vision problems. Preterm birth is also the leading cause of infant death in Mississippi. One of the greatest risk factors for preterm birth is having had a prior preterm birth. Women who have already had a premature baby need special attention when they are pregnant.
Preventing Preterm Birth with 17P
17P is a progesterone medicine that can help prevent preterm birth in some pregnant women who have already had a preterm birth. Progesterone is a hormone that made naturally during pregnancy. Extra progesterone for some women can help to prevent another preterm birth.
Talk to your health care provider about 17P if you have already had a preterm birth of a single baby, if you are pregnant now, and if you are pregnant with only one baby. For more details, see our questions and answers, or the brochures below.