A latest study suggests that bacteria presence leads to water breaking pregnancy leading to premature delivery.
Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine studied the premature births caused due to the early rupture of the membranes. These fetal membranes are responsible to hold the babies. Early rupture of the membrane is the cause of one-third of all preterm births.
The authors collected membrane samples of 48 women who recently gave either preterm or full-term birth. Some participants who had early deliveries were due to preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM).
The authors analysed the membranes of the women who had PPROM. These women were found to have higher concentration of bacteria compared to the other participants.
The researchers stated that the higher levels of bacteria might have caused thinning of the membranes, leading to preterm births.
The authors stated that it is important to understand the working of these bacteria that leads to early water breaking. It may help expert find preventative measures.
"For instance, if we think that certain bacteria are associated with premature rupturing of the membranes, we can screen for this bacteria early in pregnancy. We then might be able to treat affected women with antibiotics and reduce their risk for PPROM," commented the study's author, Amy Murtha, who is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the university reported by BBC News. "Our research is several steps away from this, but it gives us opportunities to explore potential targeted therapeutic interventions, which we lack in obstetrics."
Researchers have time and again stated that full-term birth is important for the baby's health. Premature birth could lead to delayed cognitive growth.
The study was published in PLOS ONE.
