Abstract
Objective: To introduce new information on the use of progesterone
to prevent premature labour and to provide guidance to obstetrical
caregivers who counsel women on the merits of this choice
Options: This discussion is limited to progesterone therapy for
prevention of preterm labour (PTL) in women at increased risk of PTL.
Evidence: A search of both Medline and the Cochrane Library
identified the most relevant medical evidence. This document
represents an abstraction of the evidence rather than a
methodological review. The level of evidence and quality of
recommendations are described using the criteria and
classifications of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health
Care (Table 1).
Values: This update is the consensus of the Maternal Fetal Medicine
Committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of
Canada (SOGC).
Benefits, Harms, and Costs: Counselling the patient at increased
risk for PTL should include consideration of the potential benefits
of progesterone use and our lack of/limited knowledge of many
neonatal outcomes and optimal dosing.