Bacterial Vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common genital infection of pregnant women: 12 to 22 percent have it. As stated earlier, in A Problem Still Unsolved, black women are two to three times more likely to have bacterial vaginosis than their white counterparts. This is a significant concern, since a prospective, controlled trial confirmed that the presence of bacterial vaginosis is associated with increased risks of pregnancy loss at under 22 weeks, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and preterm birth. Studies show that treatment with oral antibiotics reduces the rates of these negative outcomes.

McGregor reports that clindamycin treatment is associated with a 50 percent reduction of bacterial vaginosis-linked preterm birth and preterm premature rupture of membranes.21 In women with bacterial vaginosis and at increased risk for preterm delivery, Hauth observed reduced rates of preterm birth when they were treated with a combination of metronidazole and erythromycin.

Women at risk for preterm birth or preterm rupture of membranes because of bacterial vaginosis or common genital tract infections should be screened, treated, reevaluated for cure, and re-treated if necessary.