Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation, is a significant challenge in perinatal healthcare. It is a major risk factor for mortality and neurological impairment, affecting infants and their families. Advances in perinatal care have improved outcomes for infants born at short gestations, but the incidence of preterm birth remains high, particularly in developed countries. The incidence is about 5-7% in developed countries and 12% in the United States, with a slight increase over the past few years. Factors contributing to the rise include multiple births, assisted reproduction techniques, and obstetric interventions. Spontaneous preterm labor and rupture of membranes are common causes, often influenced by socioeconomic status and maternal smoking. Smoking cessation programs can reduce the incidence of preterm birth. Multiple pregnancies, especially twins and triplets, are more likely to result in preterm delivery. Maternal and fetal complications, such as hypertensive disorders and intrauterine growth restriction, also contribute to preterm births. Outcomes for preterm infants improve with increasing gestational age, but the prognosis remains poor for those born before 26 weeks. In developed countries, modern perinatal care and specific interventions have improved outcomes for very preterm infants. However, research is needed to better understand the causes of preterm birth and develop more effective interventions.Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation, is a significant challenge in perinatal healthcare. It is a major risk factor for mortality and neurological impairment, affecting infants and their families. Advances in perinatal care have improved outcomes for infants born at short gestations, but the incidence of preterm birth remains high, particularly in developed countries. The incidence is about 5-7% in developed countries and 12% in the United States, with a slight increase over the past few years. Factors contributing to the rise include multiple births, assisted reproduction techniques, and obstetric interventions. Spontaneous preterm labor and rupture of membranes are common causes, often influenced by socioeconomic status and maternal smoking. Smoking cessation programs can reduce the incidence of preterm birth. Multiple pregnancies, especially twins and triplets, are more likely to result in preterm delivery. Maternal and fetal complications, such as hypertensive disorders and intrauterine growth restriction, also contribute to preterm births. Outcomes for preterm infants improve with increasing gestational age, but the prognosis remains poor for those born before 26 weeks. In developed countries, modern perinatal care and specific interventions have improved outcomes for very preterm infants. However, research is needed to better understand the causes of preterm birth and develop more effective interventions.