Preterm Birth Prevention: Your Personal Action Plan

Step 1 of 6 — Your History

Have you ever delivered a baby preterm (before 37 weeks)?

This is the single strongest predictor of preterm birth. Prior history is important even if the cause was known (e.g., preeclampsia, infection).

Step 2 of 6 — Cervix

Have you had any procedures on your cervix, or have you been told your cervix is short?

Some cervical procedures and a short cervix can weaken the cervix and increase preterm birth risk.

✓LEEP, cone biopsy, or cervical surgeryAny procedure that removed cervical tissue

✓Told I have a short cervixEither in this pregnancy or a previous one

✓Had a cerclage (cervical stitch) in a previous pregnancy

✓Had a D&C or multiple D&CsFor miscarriage, abortion, or other reason

✓None of the above

Step 3 of 6 — This Pregnancy

Select anything that applies to this pregnancy:

These factors in your current pregnancy can affect your risk.

✓Carrying twins or more

✓This pregnancy was from IVF/fertility treatment

✓Vaginal bleeding in the first or second trimester

✓Told I have a subchorionic hemorrhage (blood clot near the placenta)

✓Too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)

✓I gave birth less than 18 months ago

✓None of the above

Step 4 of 6 — Medical Conditions

Do you have any of these medical conditions?

Some health conditions increase preterm birth risk and benefit from extra monitoring.

✓High blood pressure (chronic hypertension)Diagnosed before pregnancy or before 20 weeks

✓History of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy

✓Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (before pregnancy)

✓Autoimmune condition (lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, etc.)

✓Kidney disease

✓Blood clotting disorder (thrombophilia)

✓Uterine abnormality (fibroids, bicornuate uterus, septate uterus)

✓BMI under 19 (very underweight)

✓None of the above

Step 5 of 6 — Infections & Dental Health

These infections and dental issues can trigger preterm labor:

Select any that apply now or that you've had during this pregnancy.

✓Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — recurrent or current

✓Bacterial vaginosis (BV)Unusual vaginal discharge with fishy odor

✓Gum disease, bleeding gums, or dental problemsPeriodontal disease is linked to preterm birth

✓Sexually transmitted infection (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas)

✓None of the above / Not sure

Step 6 of 6 — Lifestyle & Everyday Factors

Select any that apply to you:

No judgment — these questions help us give you the most accurate and helpful action plan.

✓I smoke cigarettes or use tobacco

✓I vape (e-cigarettes)

✓I use recreational drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc.)

✓I am under significant stressFinancial, relationship, housing, work, or other major stressors

✓My job requires prolonged standing (>4 hours at a time)

✓My job or daily life involves heavy lifting

✓I have not been receiving regular prenatal care

✓I am under 17 or over 40

✓None of the above