Researchers from Columbia University report that certain components found in everyday hygiene products can accumulate in the vagina and may be linked to spontaneous preterm labor. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, examines how these substances interact with the vaginal environment during pregnancy.
Researchers analyzed samples from 232 pregnant participants to measure the concentrations of more than 700 compounds secreted by vaginal microbes. Among the total, 80 pregnancies ended in preterm birth before 37 weeks. The investigation aimed to uncover patterns that distinguish pregnancies that reach term from those that begin early.
The analysis identified several compounds that showed notably higher levels in cases of preterm birth. Diethanolamine, tartrate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid stood out as markers associated with earlier deliveries. Although the study did not pinpoint the exact sources of these substances, it is acknowledged that all three can be present in cosmetic and hygiene products, suggesting potential exposure routes during pregnancy.
Using machine learning approaches, the research team developed an algorithm that estimates the risk of preterm birth based on a profile of vaginal discharge substances, combined with the person’s age, body weight, race, and prior birth history. This predictive model represents a step toward identifying pregnancies at higher risk early on, enabling closer monitoring and timely care where appropriate.
Premature birth remains the leading cause of neonatal death and can contribute to a spectrum of lifelong health issues. The current scientific landscape shows gaps in reliably predicting preterm birth, with many cases occurring spontaneously without clear early warning signs. The Columbia study highlights a possible link between exposure to certain biochemical compounds and the risk of preterm delivery, though it stops short of proving causation and calls for further validation across populations and settings.