Maternal probiotic supplementation for prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: COMPARISONS: (1): Probiotics administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm birth (< 37 weeks' gestation) vs. placebo or no intervention. (a): In pregnant women at risk for preterm birth (< 37 weeks' gestation), maternal probiotics only prior to birth versus maternal placebo or no intervention prior to birth; (b): In pregnant women at risk for preterm birth (< 37 weeks' gestation), maternal probiotics both prior to and after birth versus maternal placebo or no intervention prior to and after birth. (2): Probiotics administered exclusively after birth in mothers of preterm infants < 37 weeks' gestation versus maternal placebo or no intervention. (3): Probiotics administered exclusively after birth in mothers of preterm infants < 37 weeks' gestation versus neonatal probiotic administration.