A new possible cause for preterm births has been unearthed – calcium buildup.
Researchers based in Ohio found that abnormal calcium buildup in the womb triggers premature water breaks in expecting mothers. According to the study, published in Science Translational Medicine, the calcium buildup is what can cause the rupturing of the amniotic sac.
Getting proper calcium is important during pregnancy, of course. Calcium helps developing babies build strong bones and hearts, and also helps mothers reduce their risk of hypertension and preeclampsia. However, it may be important for moms to know that the body can only absorb 500 mg of calcium at a time, according to BabyCenter.com.
It’s been known that some health conditions or infections can lead to a baby being born before the healthy 37 weeks mark. But, typically, physicians have been unsure about what causes premature births.
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During the study, researchers found larger amounts of calcium buildup in the amniotic sac after the water broke too early than in the sacs of full-term births.
