The trends and associated factors of preterm deliveries from 2001 to 2011 in Taiwan

The rate of preterm birth has been increasing worldwide. Most preterm babies are at increased risk of central nervous system impairments as well as respiratory and gastrointestinal complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in preterm birth and associated factors contributing to preterm delivery in Taiwan. Information on obstetric antecedents and risk factors of preterm birth of pregnant women was obtained from the Taiwan National Medical Birth Register database. All live births from 2001 to 2011 in Taiwan were included in this study. A total of 2,334,532 live births from 2001 to 2011 were included in this study. Overall, the proportion of preterm deliveries increased by 11.1% (from 8.2% in 2001 to 9.1% in 2011). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that nulliparity, multiple births, maternal medical complications, maternal age <20 years or ≥40 years, and medical indication for earlier delivery were positively associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. Nulliparous women aged younger than 20 years and older than 40 years should be recognized as at-risk for preterm birth.