A new study has uncovered a startling link between microplastic pollution and premature births. The study, conducted by a team of U.S.-based doctors, reveals that microplastics and nanoplastics are more likely to be found in the placentas of premature babies than those born full-term.

Microplastics in placentas lead to premature births: Study

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, and ensuring a healthy, full-term pregnancy is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Preterm birth, defined as childbirth before 37 weeks of pregnancy completion, can pose risks to the infant's health and development. Over one in 10 births globally in 2020 were preterm, with an estimated 13.4 million babies born before their due date. These early arrivals confront serious health issues.

Speaking exclusively to WION, Dr Mangla Gowri K, Chief Fertility Specialist &amp; Centre Head of Santaan Bengaluru, shared four strategies to prevent preterm birth. Take a look!

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Nutritious Diet

A well-balanced and nutritious diet is fundamental for a healthy pregnancy. A variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products provide essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and calcium. Adequate hydration is equally important. Consult with a healthcare professional to tailor the diet to individual needs.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Regular Exercise

Physical activity during pregnancy offers numerous benefits, including improved mood, reduced discomfort, and enhanced overall well-being. Engaging in moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, can contribute to a healthy pregnancy. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or modifying an exercise routine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-pregnancy-and-kidney-health-all-you-need-to-know-700328">Pregnancy and kidney health: All you need to know</a>

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Avoiding Harmful Substances

Steering clear of harmful substances is paramount. This includes avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Smoking and substance abuse significantly increase the risk of preterm birth and can have detrimental effects on foetal development. If assistance is needed to quit these habits, seeking support from healthcare professionals is advised.

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Managing Stress

Chronic stress during pregnancy may contribute to preterm birth. Implementing stress-reducing techniques, such as prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, can promote emotional well-being. Open communication with loved ones and seeking support when needed are also crucial aspects of stress management.

Preterm labour can be avoided or postponed using a variety of medical procedures, which also assist the unborn child to become ready for life outside the womb. Preventive measures, maintaining a healthy weight and nutrition, and managing stress are some of the strategies to lower the risk of premature labour.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on a website.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, and ensuring a healthy, full-term pregnancy is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Preterm birth, defined as childbirth before 37 weeks of pregnancy completion, can pose risks to the infant's health and development.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, and ensuring a healthy, full-term pregnancy is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Preterm birth, defined as childbirth before 37 weeks of pregnancy completion, can pose risks to the infant's health and development. Over one in 10 births globally in 2020 were preterm, with an estimated 13.4 million babies born before their due date. These early arrivals confront serious health issues. Speaking exclusively to WION, Dr Mangla Gowri K, Chief Fertility Specialist & Centre Head of Santaan Bengaluru, shared four strategies to prevent preterm birth. Take a look! ● Nutritious Diet A well-balanced and nutritious diet is fundamental for a healthy pregnancy. A variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products provide essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and calcium. Adequate hydration is equally important. Consult with a healthcare professional to tailor the diet to individual needs. ● Regular Exercise Physical activity during pregnancy offers numerous benefits, including improved mood, reduced discomfort, and enhanced overall well-being. Engaging in moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, can contribute to a healthy pregnancy. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or modifying an exercise routine. Also read: Pregnancy and kidney health: All you need to know ● Avoiding Harmful Substances Steering clear of harmful substances is paramount. This includes avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Smoking and substance abuse significantly increase the risk of preterm birth and can have detrimental effects on foetal development. If assistance is needed to quit these habits, seeking support from healthcare professionals is advised. ● Managing Stress Chronic stress during pregnancy may contribute to preterm birth. Implementing stress-reducing techniques, such as prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, can promote emotional well-being. Open communication with loved ones and seeking support when needed are also crucial aspects of stress management. Preterm labour can be avoided or postponed using a variety of medical procedures, which also assist the unborn child to become ready for life outside the womb. Preventive measures, maintaining a healthy weight and nutrition, and managing stress are some of the strategies to lower the risk of premature labour. Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on a website.

Medical expert reveals how pregnant women can reduce risk of premature birth

Researchers in Spain are aiming to trick nature by developing an artificial womb for premature babies after the experiments on animals were successful in keeping the foetuses alive for 12 days.&nbsp;

The tests showed that the artificial placenta prototype of the womb recreated a protective environment using a translucent container made of biocompatible material inside which the foetus' lungs, intestines and brain can continue to develop.

The placenta prototype is further connected to an amniotic fluid circulation system that keeps the foetus isolated from exterior stimuli but available for ultrasound controls and monitoring.

As per the latest figures released by the World Health Organization, nearly 900,000 premature babies died worldwide in the year 2019.&nbsp;

The babies that are born after six months of pregnancy or less are considered extremely premature and are also at high risk of death or disability.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-why-there-is-giant-hole-in-indian-ocean-where-earths-gravity-is-at-weakest-610337">Scientists find why there is giant ‘hole' in Indian Ocean, where Earth’s gravity is at weakest</a>

"We try to develop a system that allows us to keep a foetus outside its mother but still in the foetal conditions: that it continues to breathe through the umbilical cord ... that we can feed it through the umbilical cord, that it lives surrounded by fluid at a constant temperature," project head Eduard Gratacos said in a conversation with news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Human trial expected in a few years</h2>

The team has previously conducted its pre-clinical studies with lambs, where they were successful in achieving a 12-day foetus survival.

The team now plans to test the artificial womb with pigs before proposing its human trial in a few years.

"The highly-complex project spans many different specialities of medicine and requires engineers of different types. It's a challenge, it's extremely delicate to achieve this, to trick nature to make this possible," Gratacos said.

Another group of scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia managed to keep animal foetuses alive for 28 days.

Kelly Werner, assistant professor of paediatrics at Columbia University, told the Science Media Centre that the Spanish team's positive results must be rigorously tested in clinical trials on humans to check for safety and side effects.

"Although it is an exciting development, the artificial placenta is not intended to replace a natural placenta," Werner said. "That is, despite these advancements, we still should make every effort to support maternal health and decrease risk factors that lead to preterm birth."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Researchers in Spain are aiming to trick nature by developing an artificial womb for premature babies after the experiments on animals were successful in keeping the foetuses alive for 12 days.

Researchers in Spain are aiming to trick nature by developing an artificial womb for premature babies after the experiments on animals were successful in keeping the foetuses alive for 12 days. The tests showed that the artificial placenta prototype of the womb recreated a protective environment using a translucent container made of biocompatible material inside which the foetus' lungs, intestines and brain can continue to develop. The placenta prototype is further connected to an amniotic fluid circulation system that keeps the foetus isolated from exterior stimuli but available for ultrasound controls and monitoring. As per the latest figures released by the World Health Organization, nearly 900,000 premature babies died worldwide in the year 2019. The babies that are born after six months of pregnancy or less are considered extremely premature and are also at high risk of death or disability. Also read: Scientists find why there is giant ‘hole' in Indian Ocean, where Earth’s gravity is at weakest "We try to develop a system that allows us to keep a foetus outside its mother but still in the foetal conditions: that it continues to breathe through the umbilical cord ... that we can feed it through the umbilical cord, that it lives surrounded by fluid at a constant temperature," project head Eduard Gratacos said in a conversation with news agency Reuters. Human trial expected in a few years The team has previously conducted its pre-clinical studies with lambs, where they were successful in achieving a 12-day foetus survival. The team now plans to test the artificial womb with pigs before proposing its human trial in a few years. "The highly-complex project spans many different specialities of medicine and requires engineers of different types. It's a challenge, it's extremely delicate to achieve this, to trick nature to make this possible," Gratacos said. Another group of scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia managed to keep animal foetuses alive for 28 days. Kelly Werner, assistant professor of paediatrics at Columbia University, told the Science Media Centre that the Spanish team's positive results must be rigorously tested in clinical trials on humans to check for safety and side effects. "Although it is an exciting development, the artificial placenta is not intended to replace a natural placenta," Werner said. "That is, despite these advancements, we still should make every effort to support maternal health and decrease risk factors that lead to preterm birth." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Spanish researchers aim to trick nature by creating artificial womb for premature babies

The world's tiniest baby weighed less than a large apple on birth. Her name is Kwek Yu Xuan, and she was delivered in just 25 weeks. Yu Xuan fought against all odds and went home after spending 13 months in hospital. Palki Sharma brings you a story of miracle.

Gravitas: World's tiniest baby to survive a premature birth

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