Proinflammatory cytokines have been reported to be harmful and destructive to a successful pregnancy. The adverse fetal inflammatory response to TNF-alpha, IL-6 and C-reactive protein has been associated with preterm birth. These cytokines are also commonly associated with oral infections, both periodontal and periapical11. In addition, oral infections often produce pain and stress, which are considered harmful to a successful pregnancy. Since the effects of periodontal infections on adverse pregnancy outcomes have been described, it would be worthwhile to examine the specific effects of oral periapical abscesses on adverse birth outcomes, to begin to determine whether there is an association between this type of oral infection and these adverse outcomes.