Factors Associated with Prematurity in Warri Niger Delta; an Eight Year Review

ABSTRACT Prematurity is a major cause morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The factors associated with preterm births in Warri over an eight year period include, low socioeconomic class, place of antenatal care, antenatal complications notably hypertension in pregnancy, fever, anaemia and bleeding in pregnancy. Other associated factors include multiple gestations, previous history of abortion and prematurity. Trauma and fetal abnormalities were not major factors associated with preterm deliveries. Economic empowerment and improvement of the antenatal care, with better assess to specialist obstetricians and adequate treatment of fever in pregnancy will greatly reduced the incidence of prematurity.