The Impact of Preterm Labor on Neonatal Outcomes: Current Interventions and Future Directions

ABSTRACT: Preterm labor, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, contributing to approximately 15 million preterm births annually. This comprehensive review examines the impact of preterm labor on neonatal outcomes, focusing on short- and long-term complications, current interventions to prevent or manage preterm birth, and future directions for research and clinical practice. Key neonatal complications include respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and neurodevelopmental impairments. Current interventions such as antenatal corticosteroids, tocolytics, progesterone, and cervical cerclage are discussed, alongside their efficacy and limitations. Emerging strategies, including multi-omics, artificial intelligence (AI), and novel biomarkers, are explored as future directions to improve prediction and prevention of preterm birth. This review aims to provide a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in addressing preterm labor to optimize neonatal outcomes. Keywords: neonatal, Preterm labor, Future Directions