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Miscarriages detected with new blood test during pregnancy

A blood test in the early stages of pregnancy could reveal potential birth complications, new research shows.

The findings could help doctors take steps to avoid premature birth if the blood test detects certain molecules linked with serious birth complications.

The team of US doctors trialed the test to predict pre-eclampsia and miscarriages in women during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

However, some experts have criticised the research claiming the findings were overstated and were only a small nature of the research.

Sophie Birch, clinical negligence solicitor at Potter Rees Dolan, said:

Miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and premature birth are potential concerns for pregnant women. Premature birth can in turn lead to complications that may affect the baby for the rest of their life.

If pre-eclampsia or premature birth is predicted at an early stage of the pregnancy then this may ensure that the doctors are better equipped at dealing with the complications that can arise. Research is advancing in medical practice all the time and, although this research is at an early stage, it will be interesting to see how it progresses and the difference it makes.

Sophie Birch is a clinical negligence solicitor at Potter Rees Dolan. Should you have any queries about clinical negligence due or indeed any other aspect of this article and wish to speak to Sophie or any other member of the team please contact us on 0161 237 5888 or email Sophie directly.