Maternal Serum Level of ACTH as a Predictive Marker of Preterm Labor in Patients With Threatened Preterm Labor

"investigators will abtain a blood sample from all patient to measure the serum level of ACTH.~all patients with threatened preterm labor will receive a fixed regimen of tocolysis in the form of nifedipine (Epilate) 10 mg orally every 15 minutes for the first hour or until cessation of uterine contractions. Then, 60 - 160 mg/day (1-2 tablets 3 times daily) of slowly releasing nifedipine (epilat retard 20 mg tablet) may be given depending on uterine activity. The patients will also receive 6 mg dexamethasone every 12 hours for 4 doses. All women will be followed up till delivery.~After delivery, investigators devide the pateints into 2 groups (full term delivery \& preterm delivery) and investigators compare between these 2 groups by level of hormone."