This study is aimed to find out the incidence of preterm birth and its consequences, besides to assess the aetiology and risk factors of preterm birth. A prospective observational study was performed in Neonatal department, Rajiv Gandhi Medical Sciences, Kadapa over 6-months. All the patients were screened to determine the preterm births and their guardians were interviewed to find consequences of it (if any) and factors which leads to them. The incidence of preterm birth is 13%. The most observed risk factors for preterm births were short interval between consecutive pregnancies 30.8% and poor maternal nutrition 25.6%. About 20 (21.3%) were born before 37 weeks, followed by nine (9.6%) were born before 31 weeks. Around 37.2% of preterm births were due to spontaneous preterm pre-labor and rupture of membranes, followed by 28.7% intra uterine growth retardation as etiological factors for preterm birth. About 28.7% preterm neonates develop sepsis followed by 27.6% neonatal seizures. Forecasting and preventing preterm labour and selecting the safest method of delivery are imperative challenges in reducing the incidence of preterm births. Continued research needed to identify interventions that will reduce its incidence.
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