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Corresponding Author

Marwa Saeed

Abstract

Background: Predicting preterm birth is complex and continues to be a significant challenge. Despite the advancement of numerous techniques, no single method has proven entirely effective. In this research, the significance of nasal flow Doppler and patterns of fetal breathing movement (FBM) during symptomatic preterm labor (PTL) was investigated.

Methods: This prospective research involved 81 pregnant women, aged 18 to 45 years, with a body mass index of 20-35 kg/m², and gestational ages between 28-37 weeks, all presenting with symptomatic PTL. Symptoms included uterine contractions of at least four in 20 minutes or eight in 60 minutes, with cervical dilation between 2-5 cm, and transvaginal cervical length measurement.

Results: There were no significant differences in fetal nostril width and breathing movement relative to delivery timing, except for the absence or irregularity of movements, which were more common in cases where delivery occurred within a day. The inspiration/expiration number rate was also notably decreased in these cases. Fetal nostril width and breath movements generally did not provide significant diagnostic value for predicting imminent delivery, though the inspiration/expiration number rate showed limited diagnostic performance.

Conclusions: Doppler techniques allowed fetal nasal fluid flow assessment, with the inspiration/expiration ratio of ≤1.12 demonstrating the highest sensitivity and positive predictive value for predicting delivery within a day, making it a significant marker for increased PTL risk.

Article Type

Original Article

Keywords

Breathing; Prediction; Preterm Labor; Fetal Nasal Flow Doppler

Subject Area

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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