Newest Prevention of Preterm Birth

Preterm birth is still a significant problem in the United States each year leading to major causes leading to infant illness and death.

The causes of preterm birth are largely unknown, and of those known factors, many seem unpreventable.

There are biochemical, uterine anatomical, hormonal, genetic, infectious, causes just to name a few.

Ultimately when a baby is ‘ready’ to be born, based on the baby’s biological clock, then the baby triggers labor. If that process begins, we have limited ability to stop it.

So researchers are newly following a line of research that look at the baby’s chromosome caps called telomers.

After birth the ends or ‘caps’ on each of our chromosomes, containing our DNA, progressively weaken and shorten. The telomere weakening and shortening leads to us to suffer the consequences of aging, including organs failing, skin wrinkling, hair graying, and ultimately leads to our death.

So research was begun to look at how healthy telomeres are in the fetus, and whether healthier telomeres can translate into less likelihood of premature birth.

In fact research shows that using vitamins E and C, which are specifically antioxidant vitamins, prior to conceiving, leads to better health and fewer preterm births!

A lot of research needs to be done on the topic, and you should always consult your own health care providers regarding all vitamin intake, but this is proactive and exciting research that appears to have few risks and a lot of potential benefits!