Objective: to identify which risk factors / clinical conditions are frequently associated with premature labor in a reference maternity for high risk. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive, documentary study. In the population studied, it was understood that pregnant women diagnosed with premature labor admitted to the maternity ward of a public hospital from June to September 2018. Results: it was identified that, of the 40 pregnant women, 21 (52.5% ) were 20 to 34 years old and, in relation to parity, 24 (60%) were multigravid; of the cases that presented some clinical condition associated with the diagnosis of premature labor, Urinary Tract Infection was the most incident complication, corresponding to 27 (65%) of the cases. Conclusion: it appears that the most incident risk factors for the development of premature labor were: maternal age, parity and complications such as Urinary Tract Infection. It was seen that it is up to the professionals involved in prenatal care to provide adequate support for mothers and family members, based on solidarity and welcome, also combining technical and scientific knowledge in order to reduce morbidity and mortality.