Scientists from the University of Glasgow, UK, report that administering the hormone Progesterone to pregnant women may help them avoid the risk of preterm birth. Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries and provided by the placenta in abundant quantities during pregnancy.
 |
| Premature infants are at risk of suffering from various health issues (Photo: TTO) |
Every year in England, around 50,000 infants are born prematurely, and they often endure lifelong health conditions such as blindness, deafness, and cerebral palsy. Among every 14 live births, one baby is born prematurely. Additionally, approximately 3,000 families in the UK experience the heart-wrenching loss of a child due to preterm birth.
Professor Jane Norman, the lead researcher, stated: “We are examining pregnant mothers at Glasgow Royal Hospital. The data we collect will help save hundreds of young lives.”
In normal childbirth, lymphocytes circulate in the bloodstream and travel to the uterus when the mother gives birth. In some cases, this process occurs earlier, and scientists believe that lymphocytes play a crucial role in this.
Experiments conducted on pregnant women indicate that Progesterone may prevent preterm labor by inhibiting the activity of lymphocytes.
Researchers estimate that approximately £3 million is needed to fund this project.
KHANG LINH (According to BBC NEWS)
