A connection is found between amniotic fluid infections and premature births

Infections of amniotic fluid are more common than previously believed and may be a major cause of premature births.

Researchers think bacteria in the fluid may somehow cause babies to be born earlier than they should.  Premature births have long been linked to health problems that often last a lifetime.

About 12-percent of all births in the U-S are premature.  It’s a rate that’s been steadily increasing over the past decade.