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Research Journal of Medical Sciences

ISSN: Online 1993-6095
ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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A Prospective Observational Study to Evaluate Association of Bacterial Vaginosis with Preterm Labour and Threatened Preterm Labour in a Tertiary Care Set Up of South Gujarat

Ankita Aggarwal, Nilam Prajapati, Dhwani Desai and Minal Chaudhari
Page: 12-18 | Received 20 Aug 2024, Published online: 14 Nov 2024

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https://doi.org/10.36478/makrjms.2024.12.12.18

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Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and preterm labor, conducted as a prospective observational study at a tertiary care center in South Gujarat. Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. BV, a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of vaginal flora, has been strongly associated with increased risk of preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study enrolled 100 pregnant women under 37 weeks of gestation who presented with spontaneous preterm labor, threatened preterm labor, or medical conditions like PROM, with data collected over a 12‐month period. Diagnostic criteria for BV included Amsel’s criteria, such as vaginal discharge, elevated vaginal pH and presence of clue cells. The results indicated that 18% of the participants tested positive for BV, with a statistically significant correlation between elevated vaginal pH and the presence of grey‐white discharge. The study found that BV‐positive women had higher rates of preterm labor, PROM and neonatal complications, including low birth weight and NICU admissions. The findings underscore the importance of early BV screening and management during pregnancy to reduce the risk of preterm births and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite the complexity of preterm birth etiology, BV emerges as a significant and modifiable risk factor. Routine BV screening in prenatal care could significantly reduce preterm labor rates, especially in high‐risk populations. The study concludes that timely diagnosis and treatment of BV may help mitigate adverse pregnancy outcomes and contribute to reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality in regions with high preterm birth rates.

How to cite this article:

Ankita Aggarwal, Nilam Prajapati, Dhwani Desai and Minal Chaudhari. A Prospective Observational Study to Evaluate Association of Bacterial Vaginosis with Preterm Labour and Threatened Preterm Labour in a Tertiary Care Set Up of South Gujarat.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.12.12.18
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.12.12.18