Uterine contraction assessment.

Few approaches to preterm birth prevention have been as thoroughly studied yet as enigmatic as uterine contraction assessment. Despite multiple randomized clinical trials (level 1 evidence), the effectiveness of home uterine contraction assessment as an adjunct to the clinical management of women at risk for preterm birth remains controversial. This article reviews these trials with particular attention to study design and patient inclusion criteria. The data are absolutely clear that home uterine contraction monitoring with or without frequent perinatal nursing contact can reduce the risk of preterm birth and improve perinatal outcomes and that both are independently superior to standard preterm birth prevention education and care.