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You can predict preterm labor by changes in immunity
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025

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Doctors are actively studying the work of women's immunity during pregnancy, hoping to learn how to predict premature labor in advance using a simple blood test. "The period of pregnancy is a powerful transformation of immunity. We have managed to discover that immune protection changes according to strict rules that can be predicted. If we can identify the restructuring of immunity that predetermines premature labor,, then we will be able to predict such a development of events in advance, using only a blood test," the experts say. The new study was led by employees of the College of Medicine at the University of California at Stanford. One of the authors, Professor Bryce Gaudillere, has already introduced such a term as "the immune mechanism of pregnancy" into obstetric use. The professor suggests using this mechanism to predict the degree of risk for the future baby. In the United States, approximately 10% of babies are born 3-4 weeks before the expected date of birth. At the same time, modern medicine cannot clearly and accurately predict the onset of premature labor. To improve the situation, university specialists took blood from eighteen pregnant patients for research. All subjects were diagnosed with a singleton pregnancy without any abnormalities. The women took a blood test once every three months, and then, one and a half months after the birth of the child. The specialists compared the results of the tests, taking into account the moment when the baby was born: on the planned date, or earlier than it. Using flow cytometry, scientists assessed the quality of the capabilities of all immune cells. Experts identified the type of immune cells, tracked the most active signaling directions of each immune cell. They managed to determine the reaction of cells to substances that simulate a microbial or viral attack. Using statistical modeling, scientists created a kind of graph, which became the prototype of the immune mechanism of pregnancy. It reflected all the changes in the immune system throughout the entire pregnancy. As it was established, correction of the immune system is necessary for the safety of the future baby: it must strictly correspond to the schedule. "This mechanism shows what specific signs of immune protection we should know about during a certain trimester. The experiment proved that killer structures and leukocytes are stimulated during pregnancy. Signaling directions of T-helpers always coincide with a certain period. Otherwise, a spontaneous miscarriage or premature birth can be expected. "We cannot describe the specific factors that lead to such complications, but we can predict them by blood analysis," explained Professor Gaudillere. The main result of the experiment is proof of the existence of an immune mechanism during pregnancy. Next, the scientists plan to improve the use of this mechanism and introduce it into practical medicine.