Progesterone pessaries are sometimes prescribed to pregnant women who have previously given birth before 37 weeks, who have risk of another preterm birth.
Based on earlier evidence, it was thought that the treatment could delay birth, reducing the risk and severity of complications affecting babies born too early, and improve mothers' health.
Researchers gave progesterone pressies to pregnant women for 14 weeks starting at mid-pregnancy and give another group matching placebos.
Researchers then assessed the health of the babies and their mothers.
The rate of health problems in the babies, including respiratory distress syndrome, where the baby struggles to breathe, was not significantly different between the two treatment groups. The mother's health and side effects of treatment were also similar.
Babies born preterm carry a heightened risk of breathing problems due to immature lungs and other serious health problems. Progesterone plays an important role during pregnancy, and concentrations of this hormone fall away just before labour begins, which is one rationale for the treatment. Vaginal progesterone does not improve the baby's health when given to women who have had a history of a previous preterm birth.
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