Epigenetic biomarkers in cheek swabs may identify risk of preterm childbirth

Researchers have analyzed epigenetic factors present in the cheek cells of mothers and fathers, discovering patterns of biomarkers that correlate with the preterm birth of their children. The results are preliminary but promising and warrant further studies with more participants. The average length of the human gestation period is around 9 months: between 37 and 40 weeks. Childbirth that occurs at less than 37 weeks of gestation is deemed ‘preterm’. Complications relating to preterm birth can be harmful to the child, with preterm infants being at higher risk of developing cerebral palsy, hearing and vision problems and developmental disabilities. Although...