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Context

Setting and gestational age

Care setting Selected
Gestational age Selected

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About this tool

What it is

A stepwise clinical decision support algorithm for symptomatic preterm labour at 22+0–33+6 weeks. Covers two care settings: high-resource (HIC, full diagnostic availability) and low/middle-resource (LMIC, clinical assessment only). The algorithm follows a structured 4-step sequence based on initial findings, available diagnostics, and a 2-hour observation period.

How to use

  • Step 1 — Select care setting (HIC or LMIC) and gestational age.
  • Step 2 — Record contractions per 30 min and cervical dilatation at the 1st evaluation.
  • Step 3 — HIC only: select which diagnostics are available (CL, biomarkers, or both).
  • Step 4 — After a 2-hour observation period, re-enter contractions and dilatation for the 2nd evaluation.

The result updates automatically as each section is completed. Use the reset button (↺) to start over.

What to expect

One of three outcomes: Established Preterm Labour (immediate treatment), Threatened Preterm Labour (admission and treatment), or Reassurance (preterm labour not confirmed). Where treatment is indicated, pharmacologic management — tocolytics, corticosteroids, and magnesium sulfate — is listed based on gestational age.

Evidence basis

WHO recommendations on interventions to improve preterm birth outcomes. World Health Organization, 2015. ISBN 978 92 4 150898 8.
Boelig RC et al. Interventions for preterm birth. FIGO Good Clinical Practice Paper. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;150(1):8–25. DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13248
NICE Guideline NG25: Preterm labour and birth. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2022 update.