Preterm birth (PTB) is known to be the leading cause of both perinatal morbidity and mortality.
In a new study, researchers Dvora Kluwgant, Tamar Wainstock, Eyal Sheiner, and Gali Pariente from Beersheba's Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have looked into distinct risk factors associated with preterm birth.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
After collecting an immense amount of data using information gathered on more 334,000 deliveries, they concluded that there is a very "strong association between early PTB and placental abruption."
But according to Sheiner, beyond the known populations at risk such as women with multiple gestations (i.e. successful pregnancies), women with a history of PTB, the study also shows that lack of prenatal care, recurrent pregnancy loss (abortions) and placental problems present statistically significant risk factors for preterm birth.
This could be a significant step forward if it opens up further areas of research on the topic.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!