In a groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute, scientists have been working on a drug, called (+)-naloxone, that they believe will thwart off the chance of women giving birth to pre-term babies (those who are born at less than 37 weeks’ gestation).
Conducting their research on pregnant mice, Medical Xpress reports the researchers tested a drug that is known for its anti-inflammatory pathways.
What they uncovered was that pre-term births were not only completely prevented, but infant mortality rates were reduced and “the low birth weight normally associated with pre-term birth was also reversed”.
They say this is because the drug works to subdue any inflammation within both the uterus and placenta, which can lead to a “spontaneous pre-term birth”.
Lead author of the study, Professor Sarah Robertson, says that this drug would be administered to pregnant women in their third trimester, which is earlier than other drugs currently on the market.
“Our studies give us some encouragement that it may be possible to prevent many pre-term births, by using drugs that target the body’s inflammatory mechanisms, probably in combination with antibiotics as well,” Professor Robertson says.
In Australia, it is said that more than 26,000 babies are born pre-term each year, so this breakthrough could play a major part in safe-guarding the lives of both women and their children in the future.
Pre-term birth symptoms
According to WebMD, the following signs can be indicative of an impending pre-term birth:
Contractions spanning every 10 minutes (or more)
Painful, menstrual-style cramps
Fluid leaking from your vagina, vaginal bleeding, or discharge that is more than normal
Lower back pain (this may come and go, but the pain persists even after taking measures to ease it)
Increased pressure in your vagina or pelvis.
If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor or midwife immediately (even if you’re unsure, still make the call).
If you want to learn more about pre-term births, book in an appointment with your local GP.
