Background: Preterm birth (PTB), defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation, remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally, with Bangladesh reporting one of the highest prevalence rates worldwide. Zinc, an essential trace element involved in immune regulation, oxidative stress modulation and hormonal balance, has been hypothesized to influence gestational duration. This study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal serum zinc level and preterm birth. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), (former BSMMU), Dhaka, from September 2022 to August 2023. Sixty pregnant women aged 18–40 years, at 28 to <42 weeks of gestation, presenting in spontaneous labour with intact membranes and delivering a live singleton baby, were enrolled. Thirty women who delivered before 37 completed weeks constituted the cases, while 30 women with term deliveries served as controls. Serum zinc levels were measured using a colourimetric method on a Thermo Scientific™ Indiko™ Plus Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Results: Maternal serum zinc was significantly lower in the case group (68.13 ±32.73 mcg/dL) compared to controls (102.41 ±60.97 mcg/dL) (p=0.009). Women with zinc levels below 68 mcg/dL had 4.7 times higher odds of preterm birth than those with levels ≥68 mcg/dL (OR=4.667; 95% CI=1.571–13.866; p=0.001). Socio-demographic, obstetric and anthropometric variables did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Low maternal serum zinc level was significantly associated with preterm birth. Serum zinc estimation may serve as a potential predictor for preterm birth risk and supports consideration of routine zinc supplementation during antenatal care.

Background: Prolonged labour remains a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. Delayed recognition and referral often lead to adverse outcomes. This study was undertaken to analyze the etiological factors of prolonged labour and evaluate its maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, from June to December 2009. A total of 110 purposively selected pregnant women with prolonged labour (labour pain >18 hours) were enrolled. Data were collected through interviews, clinical examination, and record review. Results: The majority of patients were primigravida (62.7%) and aged 21–30 years (57.27%). Most had no ANC (60%) and belonged to low socioeconomic backgrounds (69.09%). Uterine hypotonicity was the leading cause (45%), followed by malposition (22.72%). Caesarean section was required in 60.50% of cases. Maternal complications occurred in 65%, with PPH (20%) and puerperal sepsis (14.54%) being most common. Perinatal complications included asphyxia (13.63%), umbilical sepsis (10%), and stillbirth (6.36%). Barriers to early hospital admission included reliance on midwives (31%), TBAs (18.18%), and poor economic conditions (20%). Conclusion: Prolonged labour is associated with substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity. Strengthening ANC, improving referral systems, training birth attendants, and ensuring timely access to emergency obstetric care are essential to improve outcomes.