Infection During Pregnancy May Raise Risk Of Premature Birth

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There was a very interesting study conducted at Stanford University and it reinforces why getting early and consistent medical care during pregnancy can help your unborn baby.

According to the report, infections may play a bigger role in premature birth than doctors have thought.

In the study one in seven women in pre-term labor was suffering from an infection at the time. These were bacterial or fungal infections that can linger as a result of not being detected soon enough.

The concern is when infectious agents can enter the amniotic fluid. The more heavily infected the amniotic fluid, the more likely a woman is to deliver a younger, sicker baby.

Certain infections, such as vaginal or urinary tract infections, are known to raise the risk of premature birth. It is important to get care during pregnancy.