Abstract: The invention is directed to kits and methods that allow one to predict the risk for preterm labor in a pregnant woman. The inventors have discovered that various extracellular matrix components can be detected in cervical secretions. The quantification of certain extracellular matrix proteins found within cervical secretions can be used as a diagnostic for the biomechanical state of the cervix, which indicates whether preterm labor is likely. Some extracellular matrix components that can be found in cervical secretions include hyaluronic acid, thrombospondins and matrix metalloproteinases.

Abstract: The invention is directed to kits and methods that allow one to predict the risk for preterm labor in a pregnant woman. The inventors have discovered that various extracellular matrix components can be detected in cervical secretions. The quantification of certain extracellular matrix proteins found within cervical secretions can be used as a diagnostic for the biomechanical state of the cervix, which indicates whether preterm labor is likely. Some extracellular matrix components that can be found in cervical secretions include decorin, thrombospondins and matrix metalloproteinases.