What is a high-risk factor for preterm labor?

A previous history of preterm birth is indeed a high-risk factor for preterm labor. This is because having experienced preterm labor in a previous pregnancy increases the likelihood of it occurring again. The physiological mechanisms behind this can include cervical insufficiency, uterine abnormalities, or chronic medical conditions that can affect pregnancy.

Women with a history of preterm births may have underlying conditions or risk factors that predispose them to similar outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. Knowing this history is critical for healthcare providers when developing a plan for monitoring and managing the current pregnancy to improve outcomes.

While low maternal age, high BMI, and lack of prenatal care may also pose risks for various pregnancy complications, they do not have as direct a correlation with increasing the risk of preterm labor as a prior preterm birth does. A comprehensive approach to care will also consider all these factors, but the connection between previous preterm births and the risk of recurrence is particularly strong.