PTB

Medical abbreviation · Obstetrics & Gynecology

PTB
Stands forPreterm birth
CategoriesMedical

PTB stands for Preterm birth, an obstetrics & gynecology abbreviation.

Birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, affecting about 1 in 10 US births. Babies born preterm, especially before 32 weeks, face higher risks of breathing problems, infection, brain bleeding and long-term disability.

Example: Prior spontaneous PTB at 31 weeks; cervical length screening from 16 weeks this pregnancy.

Usage notes

Preterm births are subdivided into extremely preterm (under 28 weeks), very preterm (28–31 weeks) and moderate to late preterm (32–36 weeks). A prior preterm birth is the strongest risk factor. Prevention includes vaginal progesterone and cervical cerclage for selected patients. Prematurity is a leading cause of infant death worldwide.

More obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations

  • POI – Primary ovarian insufficiency
  • POP – Pelvic organ prolapse
  • PP – Postpartum
  • PPH – Postpartum hemorrhage
  • PPROM – Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes
  • PROM – Prelabor rupture of membranes
  • PTL – Preterm labor
  • ROM – Rupture of membranes
  • SAB – Spontaneous abortion
  • SGA – Small for gestational age
  • SROM – Spontaneous rupture of membranes
  • TAH – Total abdominal hysterectomy

See all 89 obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.