The purpose of this study is to evaluate the two suggested therapies for prevention of recurrent preterm birth (PTB), vaginal and intramuscular progesterone to determine whether vaginal progesterone is superior to intramuscular progesterone in the prevention of recurrent preterm birth.
Location: Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA
Eligibility:
Inclusion Criteria:
Pregnant women with singleton pregnancies.
≥18 years old
Estimated gestational age less than 24 weeks
History of prior spontaneous preterm birth of a singleton pregnancy between 16 0/7-36 6/7 weeks
Patients must also be able to provide consent, demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of the study, and agree to the study protocol. English and Spanish speaking patients will be included
Exclusion Criteria:
History of an adverse reaction to progesterone
Patient has a contraindication to progesterone treatment
Placenta previa or accrete
Major fetal anomaly diagnosed on ultrasound or known chromosomal disorder
Multi-fetal gestation
Preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, or clinical chorioamnionitis at the time of enrollment
Allergy to peanut and/or castor oil
Time Commitment:
Your participation in this research study is expected to last for approximately 8 months. You will take the study medication for about 13-20 weeks depending on when the medication is started and be followed until discharge from your delivery. You will need to visit the doctor’s office for routine prenatal visits. You will receive approximately 5 phone calls or questionnaires during your prenatal visit to ask how you are tolerating the medication. Your baby will be followed until discharged from the hospital. This may range from a few days to a few weeks depending on how premature your baby is.