Researchers from Columbia University found that components of special hygiene products can accumulate in the vagina and contribute to spontaneous preterm labor. The research was published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
The scientists measured the concentrations of more than 700 different substances secreted by vaginal microbes in samples from 232 women. In 80 of these, pregnancies resulted in preterm delivery before 37 weeks.
The analysis found several substances whose levels were significantly higher in women who gave birth prematurely. These included diethanolamine, tartrate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Scientists have not been able to identify the source of these substances, but it is known that they can all be found in cosmetics and hygiene products.
Using machine learning models, the team also developed an algorithm to predict preterm birth based on substance concentrations in vaginal discharge, the woman’s age, weight, race, and previous birth history.
Premature birth is the leading cause of neonatal death and can lead to a range of lifelong health problems. There is no longer a reliable way to predict preterm birth, and two-thirds of these occur spontaneously.