Preterm Birth and PROM Testing Market - Growth, Trends, And Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The Preterm Birth and PROM testing market is projected to grow with a CAGR of 3.35% during the forecast period (2022 - 2027).

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the preterm birth and PROM testing market. According to a study published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, in October 2020, titled "The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health due to delay in seeking health care: Experience from a tertiary center," inadequate prenatal visits were observed in one-third of the women. Lockdown and fear of infection were the leading causes of delayed health-seeking, with 44.7% of pregnancies ending in complications. Also, according to a report published in the Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation in July 2020, infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy raises the risk of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of the membranes, and, in rare circumstances, maternal mortality. As a result, preterm and PROM testing have been increased to detect and prevent prenatal births and reduce complications. Thus, the market is predicted to rise due to the increased need for care.

The factors propelling the growth of the market are the rising number of preterm and low-weight births worldwide, growing advancements in point-of-care diagnostics and technological advancements in PROM testing tools, and increasing awareness regarding preterm birth and PROM testing availability.

The incidences of premature birth and increasing death among children due to preterm birth are the key driving factors for the growth of the market over the forecast period. According to the data published by the Centers for Disease Control, in 2021, the rate of preterm delivery among African-American women was 14.9%, which is 50% higher than the rate among whites (9.1%) and Hispanic women (9.8%). Similarly, according to the statistics published by the March of Dimes, in 2021, it has been observed that the preterm birth rates rose from 14.25% to 14.36% among Black women and from 11.55% to 11.61% among American Indian/Alaska Native mothers. Additionally, an article published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2021, titled 'Preterm Birth,' reported that in 2020, in the United States, one in every ten infants born were premature.

Furthermore, the increasing number of people visiting diagnostic labs and healthcare units for testing, particularly in emerging regions, is fueling market expansion over the forecast period. Diagnostic centers are becoming more popular and widely used due to their increased reliability, cost-effectiveness, speed of results, and delivering precise diagnosis results at a low cost.

However, the lack of availability of PROM testing services and economic constraints in under-der developed countries are likely to hinder the growth of the market.

Key Market Trends

Ultrasound Segment Expects to Register a High CAGR in the Forecast Period

The ultrasound segment is witnessing significant growth in the forecast period owing to the factors such as increased incidences of preterm birth, increasing company research and development activities, and technological advancements to detect and predict preterm births.

Ultrasound can be used to check cervical tissue, as it generates images of the uterus and the baby, which can be used to identify if the cervix has dilated or effaced, as well as to improve diagnosis and forecast premature births.

With increased incidences of preterm births and associated consequences, pregnant women are more likely to engage in preterm testing during pregnancy for reassurance and monitoring of preterm birth symptoms and to avoid preterm deaths. For instance, according to an article published by the American Family Physician, in 2020, it has been observed that about 3% of pregnancies are complicated by preterm PROM, and one-third of preterm deliveries are caused by it. It raises the risk of preterm and causes several other perinatal and neonatal issues, including a 1% to 2% chance of fetal death.

The increasing company focus on developing tests and devices to predict preterm birth is also contributing to the growth of the ultrasound segment, thereby increasing the market growth. For instance, in March 2022, Ultrasound AI Inc. will use ultrasound technology and artificial intelligence to anticipate preterm birth and allow for earlier interventions. In addition, in May 2021, DC Medical developed a portable preterm diagnostic device, EveryBaby, after researching Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) at the University of Sheffield, which could potentially improve the prediction of preterm birth. In August 2020, PulseNmore, an Israeli startup, launched a handheld tele-ultrasound device that allows pregnant women to conduct ultrasound exams at home and receive feedback from a physician or sonographer.

Thus, with the increased incidence and risk associated with preterm births and the technological advancements, the demand for the ultrasound segment is likely to increase in the forecast period.

North America is Expected to Have the Significant Market Share

North America is anticipated to have a significant share in the market owing to the factors such as increased demand for pre-birth testing due to the increased incidence of preterm births, rising technical breakthroughs, and well-established healthcare facilities in the region.

In addition, the company, as well as non-profit organizations, are focusing on developing tests and devices for evaluating and detecting preterm births in the region and contributing to the market's growth. For instance, In January 2021, Sera Prognostics, Inc. partnered with HealthCore, Inc. and Anthem, Inc. to launch the PRIME study to evaluate the effectiveness of the PreTRM test with clinical interventions to improve neonatal outcomes. In addition, In May 2021, Sera Prognostics announced a novel strategic commercial partnership with Anthem to make PreTRM Tests available to pregnant members as part of a multi-year contract. Through this partnership, many physicians and patients in the United States will have access to early and accurate preterm birth predictions, allowing them to make more informed decisions during pregnancy. Similarly, in October 2021, the researchers at the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Imperial College London developed a first-of-its-kind testing device that may help advance the diagnosis and treatment of preterm birth.

Moreover, increased intake of alcohol and illicit drugs is also contributing to a rise in the incidence of preterm births in the United States. According to the data published by the Centers for Disease Control, in 2022, 14% of pregnant females reported current drinking, and 5% reported binge drinking.

Thus, increasing rates of preterm births and companies and organizations focusing on developing testing kits and devices are likely to increase the market growth in the region over the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The market is highly competitive with many global and local players. The major companies are adopting different growth strategies such as new product development, product differentiation strategies, and expansion to withhold the market position. Some players are Hologic, Inc., Abbott, Sera Prognostics Inc., CooperSurgical Inc., and IQ Products.

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