Intrauterine Infections and Preterm Birth: Literature Review

Objective: Premature birth is involved in the worldwide health sector problem and an important part challenge. This incidence rate continues to increase and currently, premature births occur in developing countries at 12.5% of all births. Infections within the uterus are associated with at least 40% of births occurring prematurely. Genitourinary tract infections can affect around 41% of women in their reproductive years worldwide may be affected, with 60-80% of these pregnancy-related infections being symptom-free. This article attempts to review the link relating intrauterine infections to premature birth. Data source: This study was taken from six electronic bibliographic databases, namely PubMed, Science Direct. ProQuest, Scopus, EBSCO and DOAJ employing the terms "intrauterine infection", or "premature delivery". Data from all journal articles, summarized according to the categories of the framework of concepts. The following summarization involves the compilation, analysis, and understanding of study data. Results: 10- 12% of intrauterine infections were found in pregnant women, and 20% of premature births were caused by intrauterine infections. The risk factors for this infection are known to be nullipara, lifestyle, and generally women of reproductive age who frequently change partners. There are several types of intrauterine infections, including Bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia, Asymptomatic bacteriuria, Trihcomonas, and Syphilis. Conclusion: preterm birth has several risk factors, one of which is intrauterine infection that occurs during pregnancy. A quick and accurate diagnosis will help the process of treating intrauterine events in pregnant women to prevent preterm birth.