To determine the association between vaginal pH and bacterial vaginosis with preterm labour using a cross-sectional design in a teaching hospital
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Premature delivery continues to serve as a principal driver of newborn morbidity and mortality across the globe. Disruption of the local vaginal microbiome, specifically the presence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and an increased vaginal pH environment, has been structurally tied to the underlying mechanisms triggering spontaneous preterm birth. Prompt detection of these specific risk markers could significantly optimize both maternal health and neonatal clinical paths. Objective: Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the association between vaginal pH, bacterial vaginosis, and preterm labour among pregnant women attending a tertiary care teaching hospital using a cross-sectional study design. Materials and Methods: This hospital-centered, cross-sectional investigation enrolled 200 gravidae, comprising 80 individuals presenting with premature delivery and 120 subjects undergoing full-term childbirth. Comprehensive baseline sociodemographic and obstetric parameters were documented utilizing a standardized questionnaire. Local vaginal pH values were determined via narrow-range pH indicator paper, whereas the clinical presence of bacterial vaginosis was verified employing Nugent’s scoring criteria on Gram-stained vaginal smears. Computational data processing was executed via SPSS software version 26.0. Relevant clinical correlations were assessed utilizing the Chi-square distribution test, independent Student’s t-test, calculation of odds ratios (ORs), and a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: An increased vaginal pH environment (greater than 4.5) demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence among gravidae experiencing premature labor relative to those undergoing full-term delivery (76.3 percent versus 40.8 percent; p less than 0.001). Similarly, the presence of bacterial vaginosis was confirmed in 53.8 percent of the preterm delivery cohort compared with 20.0 percent of the full-term obstetric cohort (p less than 0.001). A multivariate regression model established that an elevated local vaginal pH (AOR = 3.84; 95 percent CI: 1.92 to 7.68) along with active bacterial vaginosis (AOR = 4.21; 95 percent CI: 2.01 to 8.79) operated as distinct, independent risk predictors for spontaneous preterm birth. Conclusion: An increased vaginal pH environment and the presence of bacterial vaginosis demonstrated strong statistical correlations with premature labor. Implementing systematic prenatal screening protocols targeting local vaginal dysbiosis could optimize timely maternal risk stratification, potentially fostering enhanced gestational and neonatal outcomes.
Authors: Ranjan Kumar Dutta, Nibha Dutta, Purnima Rani Dutta
Institution: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College
Subfield: Microbiology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7165800924
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