Using 3-D mathematical patterns to track childbirth contractions
By studying the electric activity that causes uterine contractions in pregnant women, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and their collaborators have developed a multiscale model they believe may aid in predicting preterm birth.
Premature birth appears to weaken brain connections​
Babies born prematurely face an increased risk of neurological and psychiatric problems that may be due to weakened connections in brain networks linked to attention, communication and the processing of emotions, according to new School of Medicine research led by Cynthia Rogers, MD.Â
Bacteria may contribute to premature births, STDs
New research at the School of
Medicine points to a common species of bacteria as an
important contributor to bacterial vaginosis, a condition linked to
preterm birth and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Pictured is a single cell of the bacteria that may be causing the problem, Gardnerella vaginalis.
Genetic errors linked to life-threatening pregnancy disorder
Scientists have identified genetic errors in women with autoimmune diseases that increase the risk of preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in 10 percent of all pregnancies.