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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffOften, the specific cause of preterm labor or premature birth isn't clear. Many factors may increase the risk of early labor and premature birth, however. The most common risk factors include:
- Having a previous preterm labor or premature birth
- Pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples
- Problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta
- Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs
- Some infections, particularly of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract
- Some chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
- Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy
- Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or domestic violence
- Multiple miscarriages or abortions
For unknown reasons, black women are more than twice as likely to experience preterm labor and premature birth than are women of other races. But preterm labor and premature birth can happen to anyone. In fact, many women who have a premature birth have no known risk factors.
