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26/04/2005
Research to examine dental health and premature births
An investigation into a possible link between gum disease in pregnant women and their chances of having a premature or low birthweight baby is to be carried out by dental researchers at Queen's University.
The three year study, which will take place in conjunction with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Unit in Belfast, plans to find out if pregnant women with gum disease have a greater possibility of giving birth prematurely and to a low weight baby.
Each year approximately 6% of infants born in Northern Ireland, arrive too early (before 37 weeks gestation) and too small (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lbs). Premature and low birth weight (PLBW) babies are at a significant risk of developing serious and lasting health problems.
According to Dr Chris Irwin from the research team in the Dental School, maternal gum disease may be an important factor.
"Over 50% of the incidence of premature and low birth weight remains unexplained. Data from an increasing number of studies, particularly in the US, supports the theory that the presence of significant gum disease in pregnant women increases the risk of delivering a premature, low birth weight baby," he said.
The study will be carried out by Research Fellow, Martina Pirie during her PhD programme.
The research team will recruit 300 pregnant women over an 18 month period, with a third of them receiving dental treatment for gum disease before they give birth. The rest will receive treatment after the birth.
(MB/SP)
The three year study, which will take place in conjunction with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Unit in Belfast, plans to find out if pregnant women with gum disease have a greater possibility of giving birth prematurely and to a low weight baby.
Each year approximately 6% of infants born in Northern Ireland, arrive too early (before 37 weeks gestation) and too small (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lbs). Premature and low birth weight (PLBW) babies are at a significant risk of developing serious and lasting health problems.
According to Dr Chris Irwin from the research team in the Dental School, maternal gum disease may be an important factor.
"Over 50% of the incidence of premature and low birth weight remains unexplained. Data from an increasing number of studies, particularly in the US, supports the theory that the presence of significant gum disease in pregnant women increases the risk of delivering a premature, low birth weight baby," he said.
The study will be carried out by Research Fellow, Martina Pirie during her PhD programme.
The research team will recruit 300 pregnant women over an 18 month period, with a third of them receiving dental treatment for gum disease before they give birth. The rest will receive treatment after the birth.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
