'World first' test to save babies

Scientists and doctors in North Staffordshire are the first in the world to have discovered a way of predicting a baby's weight at birth. The team at Keele University and the University Hospital of North Staffordshire pioneered a ground-breaking blood test, which could reduce the numbers of under-weight children born with medical defects.

The 150,000 pounds three-year study is using blood samples taken from more than 300 pregnant North Staffordshire women to analyse 27,500 segments of DNA, which were used to identify 300 genes which could influence birth weight. During the next two years the team will isolate about 20 genes to provide a better understanding between diets in pregnancy and birth weights.

Professor William Farrell, Professor of Human Genomics, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine at Keele University, said: "20 genes will make up a unique DNA signature which eventually will be recognised from a simple blood test very early in pregnancy. We will be able to predict very accurately low birth weights at that point. Then by developing strategies, such as adjusting diet and levels of folic acid given to the mother, we can ensure the babies attain a healthy weight by the time they are born."

Ultrasound scans already highlight an abnormal weight in the womb, although the tests are not as fast or accurate. The study is also analysing why pregnant women take folic acid to boost a baby's weight.

Mr Khaled Ismail, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at University Hospital of North Staffordshire, said: "This discovery can help us prevent pre-term labour and miscarriage. Parents have many anxieties about whether their baby will be healthy. This research could give them that little bit more peace of mind. It could have a huge impact on preventing low birth weights and other complications in babies which could affect the rest of their lives."

Supplementation with folic acid during pregnancy is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It also protects against low birth weight, which has numerous short- and long-term consequences.