Australian Capital Territory

Preterm births

• As of early 2025, rates of preterm birth have unfortunately increased in the last few months
• Previous rates of approximately 9% have increased to approximately 12% in the preceding 6-12 months

Early term birth

• Early term births are approximately 28% over the last few months and further data analysis can be performed to identify those early term births that are spontaneous or indicated compared to those that are not medically indicated

Recommencing education program

Our previous success surrounded around a widespread MDT education program that was well integrated in the standard obstetric and midwifery care pathways.

We had invested in promoting the risk factors and strategies to prevent preterm birth by offering education to the tertiary and metropolitan sites about strategies for preterm birth prevention

One of our first strategies would involve multiple education sessions at both our urban and rural sites to try and establish consistent pathways and treatment strategies to help preterm birth prevention

Reviewing option to trial early 13/40 screening in early pregnancy space

We have established that previous preterm birth prevention strategies have focussed on continuity of care, smoking cessation and overwhelmingly the important effect of cervical length in the prevention of preterm birth.

A population group that has not been significantly targeted have been those who have spontaneous or iatrogenic preterm birth related to preterm pre eclampsia or fetal growth restriction.

There is robust data to suggest that first trimester pre eclampsia screening can help reduce the rates of preterm birth by 60-80%. We do not have the resources to offer wide spread universal screening.

We will have to target the highest risk population of nulliparous women and utilise our early pregnancy assessment space to trial some targeted 13/40 pre eclampsia screening and focussed low dose aspirin administration and growth surveillance

• Roberto Orefice: Lead

• The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ANZJOG)

Preventing early births in a regional tertiary maternity unit: Evaluating preterm and early term birth rates before and after implementation of the Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative in the Australia Capital Territory

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ABC TV: ​Canberra’s rates of preterm birth plummet due to Whole Nine Months program

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