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Born too early: a scientist’s view

A premature baby

A premature baby

Press release issued: 14 December 2009

The UK has the highest rate of premature birth in Western Europe, one in 14 births are premature. A traumatic occurrence, the costs to both society and the NHS are high, however thanks to University of Bristol researchers, significant progress is being made into determining the often unknown factors associated with the development of pre-term birth.

The UK has the highest rate of premature birth in Western Europe, one in 14 births are premature.  A traumatic occurrence, the costs to both society and the NHS are high, however thanks to University of Bristol researchers, significant progress is being made into determining the often unknown factors associated with the development of pre-term birth.

A free public talk this week [Tuesday 15 December] by Jennie Douthwaite, an expert in hormones in the womb, will explore the techniques carried out by scientists in order to research the cause of pre-term birth.

Ms Douthwaite said: “The challenge we face is in understanding the mechanisms of action leading to the initiation of labour so that we may be able to target these in the future to reduce pre-term birth.”

The public talk entitled ‘Born too early’ is being held from 6 pm on Tuesday 15 December 2009 at Bristol Folk House, 40a Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5JG. Admission is free, but places must be booked in advance by contacting Margery Lever, Public Engagement Administrator, Centre for Public Engagement, University of Bristol, tel 0117 331 8313, email margery.lever@bristol.ac.uk.

 

Further information

Please contact Margery Lever for further information.
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