A of preterm labor is whether this process results from premature activation of the
physiologic mechanisms involved in the onset of parturition at term. Although term and
preterm labor share a common terminalpathway (uterine contractionsand cervi-cal
dilatation), the major difference may re-side in the regulatory signals responsible for the
activation of this process. Growing evidence suggests that intrauterine infection is
associated with preterm labor and delivery. This article will critically review the evidence …