Early-term babies more prone to autism
While premature birth had long been linked with learning difficulties, a new study says being born even one or two weeks before the due date leads to the condition.
According to a study published in the Public Library of Science Medicine, babies born one or two weeks before the due date are more likely to suffer from learning difficulties such as autism and dyslexia in the long run.
"It is now normal policy (in caesarean section) to deliver women a week early," said lead researcher Jill Pell, stressing that caesarean sections are not the only factor behind early-term births.
Compared to early term babies, the risk of educational difficulties is higher in preterm ones, the study found.
The absolute number of children with such difficulties, however, is higher in those born between 37 and 39 weeks of gestation as these babies account for a larger number of newborns when compared with those born before 37 weeks.
Scientists stressed that the higher risk reported in early term babies is irrespective of their delivery method.
Latest figures released by the World Health Organization (WHO) have revealed that more women in different parts of the world tend to deliver by caesarean section without having any clear medical need.
The majority of these deliveries are carried out a week earlier than the 40-week gestation due date.
Source: presstv.ir
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