Last week, researchers announced the discovery of a genetic variant that may help identify women at higher risk of having premature births. This would allow doctors to take appropriate measures to minimize the risk. The scientists also found that African-American babies were three times more likely than those of European descent to carry this genetic marker, which they say may help explain the higher rates of pre-term births among African Americans.
New treatment options to prevent pre-term births are still elusive, however. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration announced today it is considering whether to order further trials of Gestiva, a drug intended to prevent premature births, citing varying results about its efficacy. Gestiva may also be linked with higher miscarriage and stillbirth rates.
According to the March of Dimes:
More than a half million babies are born too soon each year and the preterm birth rate has increased more than 30 percent since 1981. Babies who do survive face risks of lifelong challenges of cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, and vision and hearing loss, as well as other developmental problems.
The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign site has more information on pre-term labor, including how to recognize the symptoms, what to do, and what your doctor may recommend.