Which of the following factors is NOT a major risk for preterm birth?

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is not considered a major risk factor for preterm birth. While maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall maternal and fetal health, excessive weight gain is more commonly associated with complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and larger newborns.

In contrast, prior spontaneous preterm births, short intervals between pregnancies, and multiple gestations are all well-documented risk factors for preterm labor. A history of preterm birth indicates that a woman is more likely to give birth prematurely again. Short interpregnancy intervals can lead to insufficient recovery of maternal health and nutritional stores, increasing risks for subsequent deliveries. Multiple gestations inherently increase the likelihood of preterm delivery due to factors such as higher uterine distension and demand on maternal resources. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for managing care and making recommendations to promote healthier pregnancy outcomes.