Researchers at the Wake Forest University
Baptist Medical Center reported that a certain drug appears to be
the most effective treatment to reduce the risk of pre-term delivery
for women. The study of the drug, a natural form of
progesterone called 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, commonly
known as 17P, was promising enough that the National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development organized this new trial.
The study administered 17P weekly during the mid
to late stages of pregnancy reduced premature births by a third.
Beginning between the 16th and the 20th weeks of gestation,
two-thirds of women received a weekly injection of 17P. Of
those taking the drug, the risk of birth before 32 weeks was reduced
by 42% and the risk before 37 weeks was 34%.
This particular form of the natural hormone
progesterone seems to work and is uniquely effective, stated a
researcher.
Although this drug is not yet widely available
to the public at the time of posting this Belly Scoop, watch out for
it in the near future after full clinical research investigation.
(We read about this study in the Los
Angeles Times, February 7, 2003 edition written by Jane E. Allen and
Thomas H. Maugh II and we knew we just had to share this great news
with You!)
