Association between increased antenatal vaginal pH and preterm birth rate: A systematic review

Marina J. Weckend; Loukia M. Spineli; Susanne Grylka-Baeschlin; Mechthild M. Gross

doi:10.1515/jpm-2018-0097

Association between increased antenatal vaginal pH and preterm birth rate: A systematic review

Marina J. Weckend, Loukia M. Spineli, Susanne Grylka-Baeschlin, Mechthild M. Gross

Institute of Health Sciences

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, 14.9 million infants (11%) are born preterm each year. Up to 40% of preterm births (PTBs) are associated with genital tract infections. The vaginal pH can reflect changes in the vaginal milieu and, if elevated, indicates an abnormal flora or infection. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate whether an increased antenatal vaginal pH >4.5 in pre-labour pregnant women is associated with an increased PTB rate 4.5 may be associated with a higher risk for PTB. It is recommended to conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effectiveness of antenatal pH screening to prevent PTB. Tweetable abstract: Pregnant women with an increased vaginal pH >4.5 may be at higher risk to experience preterm birth.

Original language	English
Journal	Journal of Perinatal Medicine
Volume	47
Issue number	2
Pages (from-to)	142-151
Number of pages	10
ISSN	0300-5577
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2018-0097
Publication status	Published - 01.2019

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4 Quality Education
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities

Research Areas and Centers

Health Sciences

DFG Research Classification Scheme

2.22-21 Gynaecology and Obstetrics

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10.1515/jpm-2018-0097

Cite this

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title = "Association between increased antenatal vaginal pH and preterm birth rate: A systematic review",

abstract = "Background: Worldwide, 14.9 million infants (11\%) are born preterm each year. Up to 40\% of preterm births (PTBs) are associated with genital tract infections. The vaginal pH can reflect changes in the vaginal milieu and, if elevated, indicates an abnormal flora or infection. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate whether an increased antenatal vaginal pH >4.5 in pre-labour pregnant women is associated with an increased PTB rate 4.5 may be associated with a higher risk for PTB. It is recommended to conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effectiveness of antenatal pH screening to prevent PTB. Tweetable abstract: Pregnant women with an increased vaginal pH >4.5 may be at higher risk to experience preterm birth.",

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AU - Gross, Mechthild M.

PY - 2019/1

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N2 - Background: Worldwide, 14.9 million infants (11%) are born preterm each year. Up to 40% of preterm births (PTBs) are associated with genital tract infections. The vaginal pH can reflect changes in the vaginal milieu and, if elevated, indicates an abnormal flora or infection. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate whether an increased antenatal vaginal pH >4.5 in pre-labour pregnant women is associated with an increased PTB rate 4.5 may be associated with a higher risk for PTB. It is recommended to conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effectiveness of antenatal pH screening to prevent PTB. Tweetable abstract: Pregnant women with an increased vaginal pH >4.5 may be at higher risk to experience preterm birth.

AB - Background: Worldwide, 14.9 million infants (11%) are born preterm each year. Up to 40% of preterm births (PTBs) are associated with genital tract infections. The vaginal pH can reflect changes in the vaginal milieu and, if elevated, indicates an abnormal flora or infection. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate whether an increased antenatal vaginal pH >4.5 in pre-labour pregnant women is associated with an increased PTB rate 4.5 may be associated with a higher risk for PTB. It is recommended to conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effectiveness of antenatal pH screening to prevent PTB. Tweetable abstract: Pregnant women with an increased vaginal pH >4.5 may be at higher risk to experience preterm birth.

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Association between increased antenatal vaginal pH and preterm birth rate: A systematic review

Abstract

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