Introduction A premature birth refers to the birth of a baby that is below the normal gestation period of 37 weeks. Premature birth is responsible for a great number of neonatal mortality. Consequently, infants are exposed to lifelong complications such as disabilities, abnormal growth as well as impaired mental development. Though the causes of premature births continue to be unknown, a myriad of factors is associated with the possibility and chances of mothers experiencing preterm births. Normally several human organs mature at the onset of the 37th week in full-term babies. If the baby is born before this, prematurely is deemed to have occurred. In recent years cases of premature births have gone up in more developed countries, today the rate stands at 12-13% in the United States. Certain events may precede premature births; this may include spontaneous premature birth which is preceded by premature labor, premature births caused by the premature rupture of birth membranes, and premature births that are induced by obstetricians for obstetrical reasons mostly due to intrauterine infections that may pose a significant threat to a mother’s health. According to statistics, the most severe prematurity occurs between 28-31 weeks while the least severe occurs at 34-36 weeks. Studies have also been able to link a low birth weight of less than 2500gm to premature delivery consequently, premature deliveries continue to be a cost factor in the healthcare system since a correlation exists between prematurity and subsequent disability in infants. Signs of premature birth Signs of impending premature births vary but the most common symptoms include premature labor which is preceded by several contractions of the uterine walls in a short period before the full gestation period lapses. This is may also be characterized by vaginal bleeding in the final trimester with significant pressure in the pelvis as well as abdominal and back pains. Discharge from the vagina may also be indicative of premature rapture of birth membranes. In other cases, the dilation of the cervix may prompt a premature delivery. These abnormal contractions usually occur without pain or prior warnings to the mothers. Causes Numerous studies have been unable to adequately pinpoint the causes of premature births but several factors have been identified that have a considerable association with preterm births. This include, precocious fetal endocrine activation which in most cases results from the mechanical stretch of the uterus and by an endocrine pathway as a result of increased activity in the uterine axis. Cortisol which is generated from cortisone is responsible for the stimulation of uterine activity this coupled with other agents such as cytokines may enhance the production of prostaglandin or the corticotrophin-releasing hormones thus stimulating the placenta. This may eventually give rise to preterm birth. Residual bleeding which occurs in the first trimester is caused by an imbalance of hormones; though not harmful to the growing baby a consistent occurrence coupled with other factors might lead to a pre-birth. Uterine over-distension and intrauterine infections may also contribute to pre-birth cases. Apart from the biological causes, severa