The study, published recently in JAMA Network Open, found that low levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), a protein that signals placental development, is associated with a preterm birth, defined as a birth before 34 weeks’ gestation. It also suggests that a simple blood test to detect the level in expectant mothers could alert physicians to a need for enhanced monitoring and delivery planning.

A protein released by the placenta into maternal blood, PIGF acts to promote relaxation of the maternal blood vessels and helps normalize the mother’s blood pressure despite the large increase in blood volume and cardiac output needed to support the growth of the baby. It also protects the mother from blood loss at delivery.

Research from Mount Sinai Hospital and other centers shows that low levels of PlGF contribute to the development of a potentially dangerous type of hypertension called preeclampsia, which ultimately necessitates physician-initiated early delivery in two-thirds of patients with low PlGF levels. A second complication, fetal growth restriction, accounts for the majority of other medically indicated preterm births.