Introduction: Biomedical advances have not decreased the number of premature deliveries. Newborns under 32 weeks constitute the most significant portion of infant mortality in developed countries. Objective: a literature review that identifies risk factors associated to premature labor and highlight strategies that increase survival. Results: Prenatal factor associated to early delivery include Black descent, maternal age, history of premature delivery, socioeconomic stratus, múltiple deliveries and infections. Mortality is increased with earlier gestational age and lower fetal weight. Factors associated to increased survival include área of residence and place of birth, uterine transfer, variable levels of neonatal care, use of prenatal corticosteroids to accelerate pulmonary maturation, proactive management during childbirth, use of artificial surfactant and avoid use of steroids after delivery. Neonatal networks improve survival by potentiating best practices. Conclusions: Survival among these patients is enhanced by identification of risk factors for early delivery, knowing strategies that improve survival and planning for delivery in sites where best practices are offered.