The Effect of Bacterial Vaginosis on Preterm Labor

Approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely each year and about 1 million children die because of complications resulting from preterm labor. There are a great number of risk factors that are thought to play a role in the development of preterm labor. While genetic factors are among the unmodifiable risk factors; gestational age, infections, multiple pregnancy, stress, nutritional imbalance and smoking are among the modifiable risk factors. Among one of the infections in modifiable risk factors is bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition seen among women and are usually asymptomatic. For this reason, diagnosis and treatment are delayed in women who do not have regular pelvic examinations. Women who are polygamous, smokers, practice vaginal douching and black are at risk for bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis can also be seen during pregnancy because it is a common infection in women of reproductive age. It has been determined that bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy causes an increased risk of developing preterm labor. Therefore, nurses play a crucial role in identifying and following up risky pregnancies in terms of bacterial vaginosis, referral to care if necessary, providing education and consultancy on vaginal infections and ways of prevention, and thus prevent preterm labor.