Table 1. Diagnostic assessment of the pregnant patient with premature labor.

Diagnostic test	Purpose
Cardiotocography	Objectification of uterine contractions and their frequency; assessment of the condition of the fetus
Vaginal examination
cervical smear for microbiology	Diagnosis of infection
measurement of vaginal pH	Diagnosis of infection
amniotic fluid testing where indicated	Biochemical test of amniotic fluid proteins
fibronectin test	Biochemical marker of cervical stage
palpation for cervical assessment (bishop score)	Subjective assessment of cervical stage
Transvaginal ultrasonography for measurement of cervix length	Objectification of cervical stage
Abdominal ultrasonography of the fetus
amniotic fluid volume	Oligo- /polyhydramnios
fetal development	Growth impairment/macrosomia
multiple pregnancy	Discordant growth
	Feto-fetal transfusion syndrome
Doppler ultrasonography of the uteroplacental and fetoplacental vessels	Assessment of placental insufficiency and/or inadequate blood supply to fetus