(KGTV) - Biomarkers in an expectant mother’s blood can identify which pregnant women will deliver their babies up to two months prematurely, according to research funded by March of Dimes.
Doctors do not currently have a way to evaluate the potential for premature births, the group reports.
The blood samples used in the study also provided biomarkers that could estimate gestational age or delivery date with comparable accuracy to an ultrasound. The cost of such a test could be lower, according to the study.
“This exciting cutting-edge research demonstrates why March of Dimes is investing in new ways to improve the health of moms and babies, especially to address the crisis of premature birth in this country and worldwide,” says Stacey D. Stewart, president of March of Dimes. “To date, no test on the market can reliably predict which pregnant moms will go on to preterm labor. March of Dimes is committed to finding new solutions and to giving all babies the best possible start in life.”
Premature birth affects 15 million babies worldwide each year, March of Dimes reports.
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