This online tool, developed by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), assists healthcare providers in estimating the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in pregnant individuals. It utilizes maternal characteristics and medical history, often combined with cervical length measurements and fetal fibronectin test results, to generate a personalized risk assessment. This assessment can inform clinical decisions regarding preventative measures and management strategies.
Accurate prediction of preterm birth is crucial for improving neonatal outcomes. Early identification of individuals at high risk allows for timely interventions, such as progesterone supplementation, cervical cerclage, or administration of corticosteroids to promote fetal lung maturity. The tool’s development represents a significant advancement in perinatal care, providing a standardized and evidence-based approach to risk stratification. Its widespread adoption facilitates consistent risk assessment across different healthcare settings and improves the quality of care provided to pregnant individuals.
