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(Ivanhoe Newswire) May 13, 2009 -- Women who want to reduce their risk for having a premature baby might want to consider taking folic acid supplements before conception. A new study reveals the supplement was associated with a significant reduction in preterm births.
There are currently no effective methods for preventing or treating premature birth. Babies born prematurely are less likely to survive and are more likely to have breathing difficulties and learning or development problems.
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Researchers analyzed data from a group of nearly 35,000 pregnant women. They found taking folate supplements for at least a year before conception was associated with a 70-percent reduction in spontaneous premature birth between 20 and 28 weeks and a 50-percent reduction between 28 and 32 weeks. Supplementation for less than a year before conception was not linked to a reduction in the risk of premature birth.
In an accompanying editorial, researchers point out that other factors, such as healthier behaviors on the part of women who take folic acid supplements, could explain the findings. They say more study is needed.
SOURCE: PLos Medicine, 2009
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