Stop prematurity by appropriate screening
17 November is the World Prematurity Day, one of the most important days in the year to raise awareness of the challenges and burden of preterm birth globally.
Prematurity, also known as preterm birth, refers to the birth of a baby before the completion of 37 weeks of gestation. It is a complex condition influenced by various factors. One of the common causes and risky factors for prematurity is infectious diseases, such as hepatitis, HIV and syphilis. Here's how each of these infections can impact pregnancy:
Hepatitis: Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infections in pregnant women have been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth. The exact mechanisms behind this association are not fully understood, but it is believed that the inflammation and immune response triggered by the infection can contribute to preterm labor.
HIV: Pregnant women with untreated or poorly controlled HIV infection have a higher risk of preterm birth compared to those without HIV. The infection itself, as well as the associated immune system changes and inflammation, can increase the likelihood of preterm labor and delivery.
Syphilis: Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can have serious consequences, including preterm birth. Syphilis can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus, leading to complications such as stillbirth, congenital syphilis, or preterm birth.
It's important for pregnant women to receive appropriate prenatal care, including regular screenings and testing for infectious diseases. Early detection, appropriate treatment, and management of these infections can help reduce the risk of preterm birth and improve overall pregnancy outcomes.
DiabenchTM developed by Xiamen wiz biotech is an innovative new product suitable for prenatal screening. It contains hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis and blood grouping test in one simple card. By using DiabenchTM as one of prenatal care tools, it can increase the health care accessibility even in low-income countries.