Preterm birth

September 30, 2021

Fibroids and preterm birth

In a large, prospective study, Vanderbilt researchers found no association between fibroids and any clinical subtype of preterm birth, supporting a reconsideration of the impression that fibroids increase preterm birth risk.

By Emily Stembridge
March 15, 2021

Preterm births in Tennessee decreased during pandemic

Statewide stay-at-home orders put in place as Tennessee fought to control the spread of coronavirus last March were associated with a 14% lower rate of preterm birth, according to a research letter published today in JAMA Pediatrics.

By Craig Boerner
March 5, 2020

Clues to lung injury in preterm babies

Jennifer Sucre and colleagues have discovered a factor that contributes to the pathological changes of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the most common complication of preterm birth.

By Leigh MacMillan
September 23, 2019

Tailoring treatment for heart defect

By defining the clinical and genetic factors that predict treatment response, Vanderbilt investigators aim to personalize therapy for a common heart complication in preterm infants.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 26, 2018

Fetal membranes and microbial threats

Understanding how cells communicate in the membranes surrounding the developing fetus could suggest new strategies for preventing infections, premature birth and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

By Leigh MacMillan
February 23, 2017

A target to heal tiny lungs

The protein beta-catenin may be a good target for therapies to treat lung disease that is a common complication of preterm birth.

By Leigh MacMillan
February 9, 2016

Therapies to prevent preterm birth

Vanderbilt researchers have developed a high-throughput assay that will aid in identifying new compounds to treat preterm labor or postpartum bleeding.
By Leigh MacMillan
September 18, 2014

Dioxin, fathers and preterm birth

Exposure of male mice to the pollutant dioxin causes preterm birth across multiple generations, suggesting that efforts to prevent preterm birth should include pre-conception interventions for dads.
By VUMC News and Communications
January 24, 2014

Probing mysteries of preterm birth

Understanding the relationship between the thinning and rupture of fetal membranes and the presence of bacteria could lead to treatment and prevention strategies for premature birth.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 28, 2013

Tool predicts risk for developmental delays in early childhood

A non-invasive measure of electrical brain activity in preterm infants predicts cognitive and communication functioning during early childhood, according to a new Vanderbilt University study.
By Leigh MacMillan
June 12, 2013

Antacids: risky for premature babies

Antacids that block a certain enzyme pose a risk for a common cardiac problem in premature infants.
By Leigh MacMillan
September 6, 2012

Study tracks hormone’s role in reducing preterm birth risk

Pregnant women who have had prior preterm births may avoid a subsequent early birth if given progestogens, which are natural or synthetic forms of progesterone, a female hormone that naturally increases during pregnancy, a Vanderbilt analysis shows.
By Nancy Humphrey