author(s)
Muhammad Murad, Muneeza Arbab, Muhammad Bilal Khan, Saima Abdullah, Mustfa Ali, Sanaullah Tareen and Muhammad Waseem Khan

abstract
Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. More than 50% of preterm births are spontaneous. Objectives of this study were predicting risk factors of PTB, studying inter-relationship among factors affecting PTB and studying genetic influence for PTB occurrence. Descriptive study was conducted where questionnaires were filled self reportedly and by caretaking doctors. Mothers with familial vertical history were more likely to deliver PTB (62%). Maternal education was significantly negatively correlated with frequency of PTB (r = -0.959, n = 111, p<0.010). Infections during pregnancy were one of the major causes of PTB (88%), BMI was an important determinant for PTB and interpregnancy interval less than one year had negative impact on PTB (r = -0.988, n = 111, p<0.010). Mother using multivitamins and folic acid during pregnancy had fewer chances (29%) of delivering PTB. The study acknowledged some of the factors that demonstrate relationship with increased PTB frequency in mothers living in dissimilar socioeconomic conditions (r = -0.928, n = 111, p<0.010). The present study serves as a primary data and will be helpful in future research on preterm birth in Balochistan.