preterm birth

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
March 21, 2013

Whitsett set for Flexner Discovery Lecture

Jeffrey Whitsett, M.D., chief of the Section of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Thursday, March 28.
By Bill Snyder
September 13, 2012

It helps to have Friends in fight against prematurity

By Christina Echegaray
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
July 20, 2011

Dad’s diet influences birth timing

It may be possible to prevent preterm birth by modifying the father’s diet before a baby's conception.
By Leigh MacMillan