Simple blood test may predict preterm birth risk in pregnant women

DDM News

A recent study as gathered by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) has found that a simple blood test could help identify pregnant women at risk of preterm birth.

Researchers from the US and Canada believe this discovery could lead to a universal screening strategy for preventing pregnancy complications.

The study, conducted by Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto, links low placental growth factor (PlGF) levels to preterm birth.

Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 34 weeks of pregnancy and can cause serious health issues for both the mother and baby.

PlGF is a protein produced by the placenta that helps maintain healthy blood circulation in pregnant women.

It relaxes maternal blood vessels, stabilizes blood pressure, and reduces the risk of excessive bleeding during delivery.

Low PlGF levels are associated with pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, a dangerous form of high blood pressure.

Preeclampsia often leads to early medical intervention and physician-initiated delivery to protect both the mother and baby.

Another major concern linked to low PlGF is fetal growth restriction, where the baby does not grow properly inside the womb.

Together, these conditions account for most medically necessary preterm births in pregnant women.

“If pregnant women are identified as high-risk early, there are ways to improve pregnancy outcomes,” said Rachel Gladstone from Sinai Health.

Monitoring blood pressure and taking antihypertensive medications can help manage risks in high-risk pregnant women.

Choosing a well-equipped medical center instead of a smaller hospital can also prevent emergency pregnancy complications.

PlGF levels normally rise during a healthy pregnancy and peak by 28 weeks.

The study found that pregnant women with PlGF levels below 100 picograms per milliliter between 24 and 28 weeks face higher risks.

Their risk of delivering before 34 weeks is nearly 50 times higher than those with normal PlGF levels.

Fortunately, only about 1.5% of pregnant women have such low levels, making the test highly specific with few false positives.

The research, conducted from 2020 to 2023, analyzed data from over 9,000 pregnant women.

Factors like body weight and previous pregnancies did not affect the link between low PlGF and preterm birth.

Doctors may soon have a reliable test to detect pregnancy complications early and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

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