Hunter researchers have made an important discovery in premature birth.

Hunter researchers have made an important discovery in premature birth.

Their findings which have been accepted for publication in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism may help doctors intervene and prevent premature birth much more effectively.

Researchers identified that the relationship between two different types of estrogen and a hormone produced in the placenta may serve as the mechanism for signaling labor.

“The trigger for the onset of labor in women has been a puzzle for a long time,” says Professor Roger Smith of the University of Newcastle and HMRI’s Pregnancy and Reproduction Research Program.

“Our findings show we may have an answer, and furthermore may be able to delay or advance labor.”

Click here to read more about this exciting research in a media release from the Endocrine Society.