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Suspected preterm labour — DRCOG MCQ

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EasyAntenatal CareSuspected preterm labourDRCOG

A 34-year-old woman at 31 weeks has regular painful contractions and watery vaginal loss. When should this patient be referred?

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Correct answer: C — Refer urgently to obstetric assessment

Refer urgently to obstetric assessment is the best answer because the vignette is testing Suspected preterm labour and the recommended approach is consistent with NICE NG25. The other referral timings are either too slow for the risk described or use a pathway intended for a different presentation. Specifically, Refer to specialist contraception services; Refer to emergency gynaecology care; Refer urgently to the early pregnancy unit; Refer routinely to gynaecology would be suboptimal in this scenario. Referral timing is determined by red flags, pregnancy stage and suspected cancer or emergency pathways.

Reference: NICE NG25