Breakthrough new test and ‘stitch’ could prevent hundreds of dangerous premature births and deaths every year

HUNDREDS of premature births and deaths could be prevented each year thanks to a new test which could identify women at high risk.

A simple stitch can then be used to slash that risk by nearly three-quarters, a new study has revealed.

PA

A simple cervical stitch during pregnancy can ensure bacteria can’t enter the womb[/caption]

The ultrasound test could be used on women who had a caesarean section in the late stage of their previous pregnancy, which increases their chance of premature birth in later deliveries.

Between 2,000 and 5,000 women each year become pregnant in the UK who have had a late-stage C-section during their previous pregnancy.

“We hope this will help to reduce rates of preterm births and prevent future baby loss,” Amrita Banerjee, of University College London, told iNews

C-sections performed late in pregnancy are more likely to scar the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus.

This reduces its ability to function properly, increasing the risk of the cervix opening and letting in harmful bacteria, which can trigger premature birth.

A preterm birth happens before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

Babies who are born early are at higher risk of several health issues and death compared to babies born after full gestation.

By using a transvaginal ultrasound technique, researchers have found they can identify women with these potentially problematic scars.

This involved an ultrasound probe being inserted into the vagina and moved on either side to work out the cervical length and the height of the C-section scar.

If researchers can see a scar, then they found women were more likely to have a preterm birth.

Once a scar has been found, medics can close the cervix with a stitch, known as a cervical cerclage, which involves sewing up the neck of the womb to prevent infection and keep the unborn baby inside for longer.

About 15 per cent of women who have a C-section section in the late stages of labour are at increased risk of preterm birth in later pregnancies.

In the paper, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics, the experts found that using the test and cervical stich method cut that risk to 4.1 per cent – a reduction of 73 per cent.

“If, from this, we can identify women [at risk] and put a stitch in place, it reduces the risk of preterm birth massively – improving outcomes for both mother and child,” Professor Anna David, also of UCL added.

The stitch did its job and helped me to stay pregnant

Katie Bonful

The experts are now preparing for bigger trials to confirm the exciting results.

Cervical stitches, also known as cerclages, are already used on the NHS to reduce the risk of pre-term birth and miscarriage for women who had a previous premature birth, late miscarriage or cervical surgery.

The researchers want doctors to also use the stitch in hundreds of high-risk pregnancies each year that occur after late-stage C-sections.

Katie Bonful, from Kent, experienced two late miscarriages back-to-back in three years.

She has had three babies since having a cervical cerclage.

“Thankfully, the stitch did its job and helped me to stay pregnant and pass my danger zone,” she told the newspaper.