Hundreds of babies could be saved from stillbirth by a thread
- Aug 5, 2016
- EmmaArnold
Scientists have discovered a certain type of thread used in pregnancy operations could increase the risk of stillbirth.
A small proportion of women who are at risk of giving birth early have an operation to prevent the baby from being delivered too soon whereby stitches are put into their cervix.
The thread used in the majority of these operations has been found to generate bacteria which can lead to infection and trigger early delivery.
Scientists at Imperial College London have advised surgeons to change to a thinner nylon thread which, they estimate, could prevent 260 deaths and 280 premature births.
Lesley Herbertson, senior solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said:
It is surprising that a causative link between the type of thread being used to prevent premature labour and infections leading to miscarriage and/or stillbirths is only just being recognised bearing in mind how long such measures have been used in the prevention of premature delivery.
However, if this research is going to lead to more safe deliveries of newborns, then its implementation is to be welcomed
The surgical procedure is offered to women deemed at high risk of premature labour or miscarriage and it still has benefits to women overall. However, the research suggests the thicker thread encourages the dangerous bacteria to form.
Premature birth is common in the UK with around 50,000 babies born between 24 and 37 weeks of pregnancy and is the leading cause of neonatal death.