NHS test to cut rate of premature births - The Observer 2nd March 2008

Thousands of women at risk of giving birth dangerously early are receiving a new test on the NHS to help ensure they deliver a healthy baby. Hospitals in England and Scotland have introduced a cervical swab known as the foetal fibronectin test in an attempt to cut the number of babies who die or suffer injury because they are born very prematurely. One in 13 women who gives birth does so before 37 weeks, a total of 45,000 a year. Premature babies run a much higher risk of dying, being disabled or having sight, hearing or behavioural problems.

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