Immunology

Fetal immune system rejects the mother in preterm labor

Preterm labor, a common pregnancy complication, has long been a mystery to scientists. But a new study from UC San Francisco shows it may sometimes happen when the fetal immune system "wakes up" too early and begins to reject ...

Obstetrics & gynaecology

'Science' features advances in preterm birth

The Aug. 15 edition of the journal Science features a major article about the most important problem in obstetrics: preterm labor. The article, "Preterm labor: one syndrome, many causes," delivers a powerful message: preterm ...

Obstetrics & gynaecology

Blood test for pregnant women can predict premature birth

A new blood test for pregnant women detects with 75-80 percent accuracy whether their pregnancies will end in premature birth. The technique can also be used to estimate a fetus's gestational age—or the mother's due date—as ...

Obstetrics & gynaecology

Cervical stitch has risks, decreases pre-term births for few women

Cerclage is a well-known medical procedure which places stitches around the cervix. These stitches are intended to provide support to the cervix in the hopes of reducing preterm birth in women at risk for early labor. Premature ...

Medical research

Studies identify most common causes, risk factors for stillbirth

Common causes for stillbirth include obstetric complications and placental abnormalities, while factors that could be known at the start of pregnancy, such as previous stillbirth or pregnancy loss, were associated with an ...

Obstetrics & gynaecology

Scientists gain new insight on triggers for preterm birth

A group of scientists led by Ramkumar Menon at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have gained new insight on a poorly-understood key player in the timing of labor and delivery. This new information brings ...

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