Assessing the Efficacy of Progesterone in Preventing Preterm Births: A Clinical Study

Original Research | 2026 | Volume 1 | Issue 1 | Page 31-40

Dr. Ankush Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Gynecology, MMIMSR, Ambala

Dr. Surbhi Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Gynecology, MMIMSR, Ambala

Assessing the Efficacy of Progesterone in Preventing Preterm Births: A Clinical Study.

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Abstract:

Background: Preterm birth (defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation) remains the leading cause of neonatal mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities. Progesterone, often termed the "pregnancy hormone," plays a fundamental role in maintaining uterine quiescence. However, its optimal route of administration and efficacy in different patient phenotypes (singleton vs. multiple gestations) remain areas of active clinical investigation.

Objective: This clinical study evaluates the effectiveness of prophylactic progesterone administration in reducing the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) among high-risk pregnant women with a history of prior preterm delivery or a sonographically detected short cervix (<25 mm).

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 120 high-risk pregnant women. Participants were divided into two intervention groups: Group A received daily micronized vaginal progesterone (200 mg), and Group B received weekly intramuscular 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (250 mg), initiated between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation.

Discussion: The results indicate that vaginal progesterone significantly reduces the rate of preterm birth before 34 weeks in women with a short cervix, compared to those without intervention. While both forms of progesterone demonstrated a reduction in sPTB, vaginal administration showed superior patient compliance and a lower incidence of local side effects. Furthermore, the study observed a concurrent reduction in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) among the offspring of treated mothers. However, the efficacy was found to be less pronounced in unselected twin pregnancies, suggesting the need for personalized screening.

Conclusion: Progesterone supplementation is a highly effective, low-cost intervention for preventing preterm birth in specifically screened high-risk populations. Standardizing cervical length screening in the second trimester, coupled with targeted progesterone therapy, can significantly improve perinatal outcomes in both urban and rural obstetric practice.

Keywords: Preterm Birth, Progesterone, 17-OHPC, Short Cervix, Neonatal Outcomes, Spontaneous Preterm Birth (sPTB), Maternal Health.