Which condition is a cause of pathological uterine distention leading to preterm birth?

• A. Single gestation
• B. Multiple gestation
• C. Fetal heart irregularities
• D. Placenta previa

Answer: (B)

Pathological uterine distention is often associated with multiple gestation, which occurs when a woman carries more than one fetus during a pregnancy. In cases of multiple gestation, the increased volume of amniotic fluid and the number of growing fetuses can cause the uterus to stretch beyond normal limits. This excessive stretching can lead to complications, such as preterm contractions and ultimately preterm birth, as the body may respond to the overstretched uterine wall by initiating labor prematurely.

In contrast, single gestation typically does not present the same degree of uterine distention. While fetal heart irregularities and conditions like placenta previa can pose significant risks during pregnancy, they do not inherently lead to pathological distention of the uterus in the same way that multiple gestation does. Thus, multiple gestation is the most direct cause of pathological uterine distention, making it a significant factor in the likelihood of preterm birth.