Elsevier created a free COVID-19 resource center in January 2020, offering English and Mandarin information on the virus. The center is hosted on Elsevier Connect, and all research is made freely available in PubMed Central and other public repositories for research use. The article discusses preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. It is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Preterm births are categorized into indicated (induced or caesarean delivery for medical reasons), spontaneous (from preterm labour or PPROM), and those following PPROM. Rates vary by country, with the US having higher rates than many others. Preterm birth rates have increased, partly due to more indicated births and multiple pregnancies. Preterm birth is associated with significant health risks for infants, including neurodevelopmental impairments and respiratory complications. The article explores the epidemiology, causes, and mechanisms of preterm birth, highlighting risk factors such as previous preterm birth, race, periodontal disease, and low BMI. Cervical length and fetal fibronectin levels are strong predictors of spontaneous preterm birth. The causes of preterm labour include infection, inflammation, uterine overdistension, and stress. Maternal risk factors include race, socioeconomic status, and obesity. Infections like bacterial vaginosis and genital mycoplasma are linked to preterm birth. Other factors include maternal health conditions, multiple gestations, and placental issues. The article also discusses genetic and environmental interactions in preterm birth, noting that genetic factors may play a role. Biomarkers such as fetal fibronectin are used to predict preterm birth. The study emphasizes the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind preterm birth to develop effective interventions.Elsevier created a free COVID-19 resource center in January 2020, offering English and Mandarin information on the virus. The center is hosted on Elsevier Connect, and all research is made freely available in PubMed Central and other public repositories for research use. The article discusses preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. It is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Preterm births are categorized into indicated (induced or caesarean delivery for medical reasons), spontaneous (from preterm labour or PPROM), and those following PPROM. Rates vary by country, with the US having higher rates than many others. Preterm birth rates have increased, partly due to more indicated births and multiple pregnancies. Preterm birth is associated with significant health risks for infants, including neurodevelopmental impairments and respiratory complications. The article explores the epidemiology, causes, and mechanisms of preterm birth, highlighting risk factors such as previous preterm birth, race, periodontal disease, and low BMI. Cervical length and fetal fibronectin levels are strong predictors of spontaneous preterm birth. The causes of preterm labour include infection, inflammation, uterine overdistension, and stress. Maternal risk factors include race, socioeconomic status, and obesity. Infections like bacterial vaginosis and genital mycoplasma are linked to preterm birth. Other factors include maternal health conditions, multiple gestations, and placental issues. The article also discusses genetic and environmental interactions in preterm birth, noting that genetic factors may play a role. Biomarkers such as fetal fibronectin are used to predict preterm birth. The study emphasizes the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind preterm birth to develop effective interventions.