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# Sera PreTRM

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://www.pretrm.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [The Stages of Fetal Development: A View of Baby Development by Week in the Womb](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/pregnancy/the-stages-of-fetal-development-a-view-of-baby-development-by-week-in-the-womb/): Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation for mom and baby. Over the course of about nine months, a fertilized egg transforms into a baby who is ready to meet the world. At the same time, your body adapts to meet the demands of your growing baby. Explore the timeline below to see what is happening with both your baby and your body in each of the stages of fetal development from embryo to fetus to newborn baby.
- [Risk Factors for Preterm Birth. What risk factors do you have for premature birth?](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/preterm/risk-factors-for-preterm-birth-what-risk-factors-do-you-have-for-premature-birth/): The specific causes of spontaneous preterm birth are not fully understood. However, there are several known risk factors for preterm birth.
- [Knowing the Risk Enables Informed Action](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/prenatal-tests/knowing-the-risk-enables-informed-action/): Knowing if your patient is at increased risk of delivering prematurely gives you and your patient the power to take informed actions to address the risk. With the PreTRM® Test, you can identify patients at higher risk for a spontaneous preterm birth that would have been missed with traditional screening methods. Studies have shown that focusing care on these patients can improve outcomes.
- [Limitations of Traditional Preterm Birth Screening Methods](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/prenatal-tests/limitations-of-traditional-preterm-birth-screening-methods/): Identifying women at higher risk for preterm birth is a critical first step to addressing an early delivery’s health impacts. Until now, risk prediction tools have been limited, with only a small percentage of singleton pregnancies identified to be at risk for a spontaneous preterm birth.
- [Premature Birth 101](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/premature-birth-101/): Premature birth—also called preterm birth—typically occurs when a baby is born three or more weeks before their due date, or before 37 weeks’ gestation. In the United States, 10% of babies are born prematurely.1
- [Preterm Labor Symptoms, Know the Signs of Premature Labor](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/preterm-labor-symptoms-know-the-signs-of-premature-labor/): If you experience any of these signs and symptoms of premature labor or other unusual changes, call your doctor right away:
- [The Science Behind the PreTRM<sup>®</sup> Test](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/prenatal-blood-tests/the-science-behind-the-pretrm-test/): Until recently, clinicians have had limited resources for predicting the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Traditional indicators of increased risk — such as short cervical length and a positive history for previous spontaneous preterm birth — fail to detect 80% of spontaneous preterm births.
- [Preterm Birth Health and Economic Impacts](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/consequences-of-preterm-birth/): Preterm birth is associated with health conditions that can impact babies at birth and throughout the rest of their lifetime. These issues affect not only the babies themselves, but also their families, communities, healthcare providers, and payers.
- [Understanding Preterm Birth](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/preterm/about-preterm-birth/): Preterm birth—also called premature birth—is a pregnancy complication affecting one in ten U.S. pregnancies. While medical science has made great strides in caring for babies after a premature birth, standard pregnancy care has, until now, been unable to identify most of the pregnancies at high risk of premature delivery.
- [Infections That Cause Preterm Labor: What Expectant Mothers Should Know](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/uncategorized/infections-that-cause-preterm-labor-what-expectant-mothers-should-know/): Preterm labor, which is labor beginning before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most significant and often preventable is infection. In fact, research suggests that about 40% of spontaneous preterm labors are associated with infection or inflammation (CDC), (ObGyn Key).1,2
- [Common Pregnancy Complications for Moms](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/pregnancy/common-pregnancy-complications-for-moms/): Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with excitement and anticipation. But it’s also a time when your body goes through major changes, and for some women, those changes can lead to challenges. Understanding common pregnancy complications can help expectant moms feel more informed and empowered to take action for both their health and their baby’s well-being.
- [What to Expect When 16 Weeks Pregnant](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/pregnancy/what-to-expect-when-16-weeks-pregnant/): At 16 weeks pregnant, you’re entering an exciting phase of pregnancy where your baby’s development is progressing rapidly, and you may notice physical changes in your body. This period often brings an increase in energy, the easing of earlier symptoms like nausea, and the visible growth of your baby bump. As your baby prepares for a growth spurt over the next several weeks, you can expect to experience new sensations and changes, making this stage a key milestone in your pregnancy journey.
- [Healthy Diet During Pregnancy: Nutrition for Moms in Weeks 14-16](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/pregnancy/healthy-diet-during-pregnancy-nutrition-for-moms-in-weeks-14-16/): Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy, especially between weeks 14-16, is essential for both your well-being and your baby’s development. Focusing on nutrient-rich foods ensures you and your baby get the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for growth and energy. Planning balanced meals and understanding which foods to include can help you meet your dietary needs and avoid potential risks. Incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods supports both your health and your baby’s development, leading to a healthier, smoother pregnancy.
- [What to Expect at 15 Weeks Pregnant](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/pregnancy/what-to-expect-at-15-weeks-pregnant/): Looking ahead, it's normal to have a mix of excitement and anxiety about what the coming weeks will bring. As your baby continues to grow, your body will keep changing. It’s helpful to be informed about what to expect at 15 weeks pregnant and beyond. By staying educated and in tune with your body, you can feel more confident and prepared for the rest of your pregnancy journey. Remember to enjoy these moments and cherish the bond that is already forming between you and your child.
- [What to Expect at 14 Weeks Pregnant](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/pregnancy/what-to-expect-at-14-weeks-pregnant/): As you move beyond 14 weeks pregnant, each new change brings you closer to meeting your baby. Understanding what to expect at 14 weeks pregnant helps you stay informed and ready for upcoming milestones. Whether it’s managing symptoms, attending antenatal checkups, or making lifestyle adjustments, each step you take supports a healthy pregnancy. Embrace the journey and stay mindful of both your physical and emotional well-being as you prepare for the exciting months ahead.
- [When is Baby Full Term: The Importance of a 40 Week Pregnancy](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/pregnancy/when-is-baby-full-term-the-importance-of-a-40-week-pregnancy/): A full-term pregnancy is important for a baby's health. Crucial developmental processes need the full 40 weeks to complete. Various organs also need the full 40 weeks to develop.
- [Second Trimester Screening Tests: The Difference Between Common Pregnancy Blood Tests and Genetic Testing](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/prenatal-tests/second-trimester-screening-tests-the-difference-between-common-pregnancy-blood-tests-and-genetic-testing/): There is an array of tests conducted during the second trimester of pregnancy, which lasts from week 13 to 28. Blood tests at this timeframe play a pivotal role in providing insights into various aspects of maternal and fetal health. Common pregnancy blood tests and genetic screenings are very different tools that serve distinct purposes in prenatal care.
- [Prenatal Blood Test: What Do They Test for in Pregnancy Blood Tests?](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/prenatal-tests/prenatal-blood-test-what-do-they-test-for-in-pregnancy-blood-tests/): Blood tests during pregnancy are a comprehensive endeavor, examining many health factors. The initial pregnancy blood test, typically performed in the early stages, confirms the presence of hCG, the hormone indicating pregnancy. This sets the foundation for a series of subsequent tests designed to monitor the mother's well-being and the baby's growth.
- [The Importance of an Early Pregnancy Blood Test and Prenatal Screening Tests](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/prenatal-blood-tests/the-importance-of-an-early-pregnancy-blood-test-and-prenatal-screening-tests/): In addition to ultrasounds, most healthcare providers will recommend a few basic blood tests throughout each trimester of your pregnancy. Understanding the prenatal screening tests you should expect during this pivotal time is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Here, we delve into the basics of these essential prenatal assessments.
- [Questions about Premature Birth and Preterm Labor](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/preterm/questions-about-premature-birth-and-preterm-labor/): A premature birth is when an infant is born before completing 37 weeks of gestation. It is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and physiological processes. Preterm birth can lead to health challenges for the infant, such as respiratory distress syndrome and feeding difficulties. Understanding the causes and improving care for premature infants is an ongoing area of research, aiming to enhance outcomes and support the well-being of these vulnerable babies and their families.
- [The Effects of Spontaneous Preterm Birth and Preterm Labor](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/effects-of-preterm-labor-and-spontaneous-preterm-birth/): Premature labor can start on its own—known as spontaneous preterm birth—or because of a medical intervention–known as medically indicated preterm birth. Some health reasons why a doctor may induce labor or perform a cesarean section to deliver a preterm infant include:
- [Common Pregnancy Blood Tests and Pregnancy Screening Tests](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/prenatal-blood-tests/common-pregnancy-blood-tests-and-pregnancy-screening-tests/): When you’re expecting a baby, you know how important it is to keep up with your prenatal visits and to follow the advice of your healthcare team. One part of the pregnancy journey that can feel overwhelming is the set of decisions you’ll have to make about pregnancy blood tests and other screening tests available to you.
- [Preterm Birth Interventions: Strategies During Pregnancy to Prevent Preterm Births](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/preterm-birth-interventions-strategies-during-pregnancy-to-prevent-preterm-births/): Preterm birth is a leading cause of health problems for newborns. There are several known risk factors for preterm birth, and some interventions that can make a difference in delaying an early delivery and ensuring the best outcomes for the baby. The best preterm birth interventions are to stay healthy and to stay informed. Knowing your individual risk of preterm birth will help you and your doctor develop a tailored pregnancy plan to reduce your risk of early delivery and to give your baby the best start in life.
- [The Top 10 Interesting Facts About Premature Babies: How Premature Birth and Prematurity Affect Your Baby](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/the-top-10-interesting-facts-about-premature-babies-how-premature-birth-and-prematurity-affect-your-baby/): While no two premature babies face the exact same set of challenges and treatments, these categories help doctors and parents understand the types of complications  that preemies may face, based on how early they arrive.
- [Cervix Dilation Symptoms: Signs that May Indicate Preterm Labor](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/signs-of-preterm-birth-risk-cervix-dilation-symptoms/): In this article, you’ll learn the important role of the cervix in pregnancy and labor. We’ll cover the cervical changes that take place during each stage of labor. We also give you strategies for picturing the thinning and opening that needs to happen during labor. Being aware of the signs of early dilation can help you reduce your risk of preterm birth, or delivery that happens before the end of your 37th week of pregnancy.
- [Premature Baby: What Are the Characteristics of a Preemie Baby?](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/premature-baby-what-are-the-characteristics-of-a-preemie-baby/): The March of Dimes is a wonderful resource for parents who would like to learn more about prematurity and the milestones for premature baby development. They have many useful articles about the special health problems that many preemies face.
- [What is Considered Premature Birth? How are Preterm Birth and Preterm Labor Defined?](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/what-is-considered-premature-birth-how-are-preterm-birth-and-preterm-labor-defined/): The average full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. A premature birth—or preterm birth—is a birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy are complete. 
- [How Monitoring Contractions Can Help with Preterm Birth Prevention](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/how-monitoring-contractions-can-help-with-preterm-birth-prevention/): Preterm birth, or a birth that happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is the leading cause of infant death and health problems. True labor contractions are one of the symptoms of early labor, which can lead to preterm birth. If you are at high risk of preterm birth, your doctor may ask you to pay very close attention to persistent uterine tightenings or cramping that may signal premature contractions. Information about your contractions can help your doctor decide if you need to make changes to your pregnancy care plans.
- [Michelle’s Preterm Birth Story: Extreme Prematurity Complications of Preterm Birth](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/michelles-preterm-birth-story-extreme-prematurity-complications-of-preterm-birth/): Inspired by her journey with Colette, Michelle and her husband founded The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, whose mission is to improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, prematurity, and infancy, as well as aid in the grieving process through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. Their flagship program financially assists families dealing with high-risk and complicated pregnancies, NICU stays, and loss. Michelle also participates and advocates on issues of maternal health, maternal mortality, infant health and safety, and pregnancy complications.
- [Ashley’s Preterm Birth Story: The Psychological Effects of Premature Birth](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/ashleys-preterm-birth-story-the-psychological-effects-of-premature-birth/): ...my child despite the consequences and a few weeks later I began having preterm contractions. I moved back to California at 32 weeks gestation and had my son, Aiden, 2...
- [Q&A with Jenny: Mother of 2 boys and preemie mom](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/qa-with-jenny-mother-of-2-boys-and-preemie-mom/): Jenny: Due to being in my 30s while pregnant, my obstetrician kept a close eye on my pregnancy but never warned me about the potential for a preterm birth. I was given pamphlets regarding high blood pressure and types of natural supplements/herbs to avoid while pregnant among other medical pamphlets, but he never really explained what a preterm birth could mean to me and my family and the outcomes for preemies like Joshua.
- [Proteomics: How Proteomics Can Predict Preterm Birth Through the PreTRM<sup>®</sup> Test](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/prenatal-blood-tests/proteomics-how-proteomics-can-predict-preterm-birth-through-the-pretrm-test/): The PreTRM Test for Risk Management is a simple blood test that was developed using proteomics. It is now available to most pregnant women during weeks 18 through 20 of pregnancy.
- [Tests During Pregnancy – What Are the Routine Prenatal Tests During Pregnancy?](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/prenatal-tests/tests-during-pregnancy-what-are-theroutine-prenatal-tests-during-pregnancy/): ...They take “flat” pictures of your uterus, cervix, and the baby. 3D Ultrasound A three dimensional ultrasound uses a special machine. The image gives data on the width, height, and...
- [What are the Fetal Development Stages of Pregnancy?](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/pregnancy/what-are-the-fetal-development-stages-of-pregnancy/): Generally, fetal development stages are discussed in terms of weeks of pregnancy. So, a four-week pregnancy is four weeks from the start of your last period, or about two weeks after actual conception. As your pregnancy progresses, your healthcare provider will refer to the gestational age in weeks and days. For example, if you are on the fifth day of your 21st week of pregnancy, the gestational age will be noted as “21 5/7.”
- [How to Prevent Premature Birth Through Early Detection](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/premature-delivery/how-to-prevent-premature-birth-through-early-detection/): ...Cervical length screening Having a short cervix is a known risk factor for preterm labor. When the cervix is shorter than normal, it is more likely to open sooner and...

## Pages
- [For Expecting Families](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/): Babies born even a few weeks early can face significant challenges with breathing, feeding, temperature regulation, and long-term development.  
- [Earned Media](https://www.pretrm.com/news-resources/resources/earned-media/)
- [Request the PreTRM Test](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/request-the-pretrm-test/): Because the PreTRM Test is relatively new, not every physician offers it as part of routine pregnancy care. If you are interested in taking this test, talk to your doctor to find out if it is right for you. The downloadable discussion guide is a helpful resource to begin a productive conversation about your risk of preterm birth.
- [Videos](https://www.pretrm.com/news-resources/videos/)
- [Risks of Preterm Birth](https://www.pretrm.com/risks-of-preterm-birth/): *This is not a comprehensive list or a recommendation of all risk factors that clinicians should use to determine a patient’s risk for preterm birth.
- [Provider Ordering](https://www.pretrm.com/for-hcps/provider-ordering/): This intuitive platform allows for easy sign-up. You’ll be able to view, sort, search, and print orders and patient results.
- [Calculate PreTRM Draw Window](https://www.pretrm.com/for-hcps/gestational-calculator/): The PreTRM Test is accurate at predicting your risk of a premature birth with a single blood draw during the 18th through 20th week of your pregnancy.
- [Healthy Pregnancy Blog](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/healthy-pregnancy-blog/)
- [Resources](https://www.pretrm.com/news-resources/resources/)
- [News & Resources](https://www.pretrm.com/news-resources/)
- [Site Map](https://www.pretrm.com/sitemap/)
- [Terms & Conditions](https://www.pretrm.com/terms-conditions/): Last updated: October 13, 2025
- [Sera Privacy Policy](https://www.pretrm.com/privacy-policy/): Last updated: April 18, 2025
- [Contact Us](https://www.pretrm.com/contact-us/): You can contact us directly by...Phone: 801-990-6600 Email: Support@PreTRM.com
- [PreTRM FAQs for HCPs](https://www.pretrm.com/for-hcps/pretrm-faqs-for-hcps/): The test requires a single blood sample collected between 180/7 and 206/7 weeks of gestation during the second trimester of pregnancy (126–146 days) paired with personal history questions about a mom's prior pregnancies and clinical factors.
- [Patient Access](https://www.pretrm.com/for-hcps/patient-access/): For patients with out-of-pocket costs associated with the PreTRM Test, Sera offers interest-free monthly payment plan options.
- [Hear from Other HCPs](https://www.pretrm.com/for-hcps/hear-from-other-hcps/): The PreTRM Test gives us information about a pregnancy that we have never had access to before. And predictive tests are the most helpful. That’s when you can really make a difference and have an impact on the pregnancy and the baby’s life.
- [Current Screening Methods](https://www.pretrm.com/for-hcps/current-screening-methods/): Preterm Birth Management: The Main Risk Identifiers for Preterm Birth Complications
- [For Healthcare Providers](https://www.pretrm.com/for-hcps/): The PreTRM® Test, a maternal blood biomarker test, helps identify which asymptomatic, singleton pregnancies are at higher or not higher risk for spontaneous preterm birth. Results are reported as either a higher or not higher risk, to guide more proactive care, prioritizing resources where they’re needed and enabling earlier preventive care discussions.
- [PreTRM FAQs for Parents](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/pretrm-faqs-for-moms/): Until recently, doctors had limited ways of trying to predict each woman’s risk of preterm delivery. For most mothers, spontaneous premature birth has been a completely unexpected event.
- [Cost & Payment Information](https://www.pretrm.com/for-moms/patient-access/): Enter your household size and annual household income to see if you qualify for Financial Assistance and if so – what your pricing would be.
- [Clinical Studies and Evidence](https://www.pretrm.com/about-the-pretrm-test/clinical-studies-and-evidence/): “Through a systematic and rigorous approach to biomarker discovery we characterize the proteome of pregnancy. These significant discoveries pave the way toward a paradigm shift in obstetrical care in pregnancy and open the door to the identification of women at risk for aberrant conditions of pregnancy, such as preterm birth.”
- [The Science Behind the Test](https://www.pretrm.com/about-the-pretrm-test/the-science-behind-the-test/): The Value of the PreTRM Test in Prenatal Testing
- [About the PreTRM Test](https://www.pretrm.com/about-the-pretrm-test/): Many women who experience spontaneous preterm birth have no known clinical risk factors and no warning signs.3 Traditional prenatal screening methods provide important information but cannot identify all at-risk pregnancies. Even those who appear low risk may still carry underlying biological risk.
- [Fetal Development by Week](https://www.pretrm.com/fetal-development-by-week/): With any medical illustration the artist takes certain liberties to communicate relative growth of a very complicated 3D object in a color rendition 2D space. These images are meant to show relative changes and development during pregnancy  and are not meant to be interpreted as true to life representations.
- [About Preterm](https://www.pretrm.com/about-preterm-birth/): A preterm birth is a delivery that occurs any time before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy, or three or more weeks before the baby’s due date. While not all babies born early face complications, those who are born earlier generally have more severe complications than those born closer to term.
- [Home](https://www.pretrm.com/): PreTRM measures specific biomarkers, levels of certain proteins, in maternal blood during pregnancy. It is performed with a single finger prick during a mother’s routine prenatal visit at 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

## Resources

## Trimesters