Bacteria test could stop half of premature births

UP TO half of premature births could be prevented if women were simply tested for harmful bacteria, scientists say.

A charity led by Prof Robert Winston, the fertility expert, found that a new swab test could check if women were carrying potentially harmful bacteria in their reproductive tract.

Such conditions, which produce no symptoms, cause up to half of premature births, research suggests. The Genesis Research Trust is now testing a new remedy to prevent such cases, by giving women supplements which replace the dangerous microbes with “good bacteria”.

Dr David Macintyre said: “The possibility of reducing the number of babies born prematurely is a major breakthrough.”

In the UK, premature birth complications account for 1,400 child deaths a year.