Journal article
Reducing rates of preterm and early-term singleton births safely in Australia: results of the national prevention programme
John P Newnham, Barbara A Vernon, Sarah V Ward, Kiarna Brown, Christoph Lehner, Stefan C Kane, Daniel L Rolnik, Helen C Atkinson, Lisa N McKenzie, Ye'elah E Berman, Dorota A Doherty, Scott W White, Michael C Nicholl, David A Ellwood, David L Watson, Amanda Rehayem, Deyna Hopkinson, Roberto Orefice, Rachael L Crean, Philippa F Middleton Show all
The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health | Elsevier BV | Published : 2025
Abstract
Background Preterm birth is a major cause of death and disability. We evaluated a national preterm birth prevention programme in Australia, implementing clinical strategies including avoidance of unnecessary early birth, cervical length measurement in mid-pregnancy, and prescription of vaginal progesterone. Methods The study was implemented in two phases. Phase 1 (2018–21) was a whole-of-national-population, clinician-led education programme, analysed as a retrospective, population-level study. Official data from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare were used to assess outcomes. Phase 2 (2022–24) added a Breakthrough Series Collaborative involving 59 maternity hospitals across all..
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