CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Scientists Are One Step Closer to Finding the Cause of Preterm Labor

save article
profile picture of Kylie McConville
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

In new research published in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers found that the reason a woman’s water breaks too soon (resulting in preterm labor) may be due to bacteria.  Led by the Duke University School of Medicine, the study authors suggest that a certain bacteria found in moms-to-be may lead to a thinning of the membranes around the baby, causing them to tear earlier, and baby to be born sooner than expected.

So, uh, exactly what membranes break? The membranes that make up the sac holding the baby typically don’t break until the start of labor, but in preterm labor, they break earlier. And researchers noted that the early rupture of these membranes causes almost one-third of all preterm births. PPROM (preterm premature rupture of the membranes) is the medical term doctors use to describe this process. And now that researchers know one major cause of preterm labor, they’re one step closer to stopping it.

To test their hypothesis, researchers examined membrane samples in 48 women who’d just given birth. Some of these women had delivered early due to PPROM, others had an early delivery for other reasons and some women delivered babies born at full-term. They found that the bacteria was present in all of the women, but the more bacteria present, the thinner the membranes (especially for women with PPROM).

The Duke team found that high numbers of bacteria where noticeable at the site where membranes rupture in preterm deliveries. And if these early-ruptured membranes are the cause rather than the consequence, the findings could lead to better screening and possible treatments for women at risk of an early delivery.

Amy Murtha, study author, said, “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. Our research is several steps away from this, but it gives us opportunities to explore potential targeted therapeutic interventions, which we lack in obstetrics.”

Do you think earlier detection and better preventative care could help some women carry to term?

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman looking in bathroom mirror
Should You Groom for the Delivery Room?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
doctor exam for pregnant woman bishop score
What Does Your Bishop Score Mean for Labor and Delivery?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman lying in hospital bed while in labor
What to Know About Amniotomy and the Artificial Rupture of Membranes
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman getting ready to go into labor
4 Must-Know Strategies for an Easier Labor and Delivery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting in hospital bed while in labor
Baby Is Coming: What to Know About Cervix Dilation
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
What You Need to Know About Preterm Labor
What You Need to Know About Preterm Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mom kissing newborn baby after giving birth
8 Surprising Things That Happen After Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
still from the movie baby mama, tina fey and amy poehler attending a baby class
Your Comprehensive Guide to Childbirth Classes
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
5 Medication Options for Pain Relief During Labor
5 Medication Options for Pain Relief During Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Postpartum Lochia: What to Expect With Normal Bleeding After Birth
Postpartum Lochia: What to Expect With Normal Bleeding After Birth
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
water splash and bubbles
What to Know About Your Water Breaking During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
10 slides
10 Things You Have to Do Before You Go Into Labor
10 Things You Have to Do Before You Go Into Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sleeping in chair next to baby crib at home
How $65 Million Will Help Address America's Maternal Health Crisis
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
mother holding newborn baby in hospital bed shortly after birth
What Does Baby’s Apgar Score Mean?
By Colleen De Bellefonds
unrecognizable pregnant woman talking to doctor
What to Know About Group B Strep in Pregnancy
By Dani Wolfe
woman in labor ready to give birth
7 Surprising Things That Happen During Labor and Delivery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
phone laying on bed with headphones attached
Best Songs for Labor and Delivery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
jason kelce eating and sleeping while wife kylie is in labor
NFL Star Jason Kelce's Funny Labor Support Fails Go Viral on TikTok
By Wyndi Kappes
couple packing hospital bag for birth
Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack in Hospital Bag
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
man helping woman through labor and delivery
9 Ways to Support Your Birthing Partner During Labor and Delivery
By Blair Sharp
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List