Abstract
Preterm labor may be induced by infection pathways, including ascending infection, hematogenous transplacental infection, and transovarial disseminated infection. Causative bacteria may originate from the vagina, intestinal tract, or oral cavity; however, approximately 90% of cases involve an ascending infection from the vagina, and the presence of abnormal microbiota in the vagina is a major cause of preterm labor. Conversely, in recent years, researchers have alluded that abnormal microbiota in the gut causes a pro-inflammatory state, which could contribute to preterm labor. The administration of probiotics to improve this state and thereby prevent preterm labor is being studied; however, at this time, although probiotics can normalize vaginal microbiota, there is no clear evidence that they can prevent preterm labor. To clarify the therapeutic effects of probiotics in preventing preterm labor, a randomized controlled trial is required, wherein the type of bacteria administered, starting time, administration duration, and treatment subjects are taken into account.
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Kamitomo, M. (2020). Probiotics for Preterm Labor. In: Sameshima, H. (eds) Preterm Labor and Delivery. Comprehensive Gynecology and Obstetrics. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9875-9_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9875-9_14
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