given shots of hydroxyprogesterone, which is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone that can help prevent early labor. But not all at-risk women can get the treatment, it’s only for those pregnant with one baby, for example, and it does not always work.
Moley agreed that the new findings might aid in understanding the biology of preterm labor, which could lead to new ways to prevent it.
Preterm birth is a serious threat to all women, however, black women face an even higher risk for giving birth prematurely. If you’re a woman of colored and planning to conceive, take extra precautions and know your options for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and birth. For more information on preterm birth, please visit our Health Conditions tab on BlackDoctor.org.
SOURCES: Stephen Quake, Ph.D., professor, bioengineering and applied physics, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.; Kelle Moley, M.D., senior vice president, chief scientific officer, March of Dimes, White Plains, N.Y.; June 8, 2018, Science