It is possible that these factors may produce dehydration, which stimulates the release of hormones which stimulate uterine contractions. The authors of this study caution that further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Encouraging pregnant women to stay well hydrated with good quantities of pure water may prevent preterm labor. A urinary tract infection during pregnancy increases the risk of cerebral palsy in the offspring. This study revealed that the risk of having a child with cerebral palsy was four to five times greater if the mother suffered a urinary tract infection during the pregnancy.
Chemicals formed during the cooking process are apparently strong risk factors.
Uruguay has an exceptionally high rate of breast cancer, and meat is consumed in large amounts by this population. Some vitamin and mineral supplements contain vitamin D, although this fact is not on the label. Still another study shows that women who are allowed to walk during labor are less likely to undergo surgical delivery of their infants. Women in this study group who walked had half the surgical delivery rate of those who did not walk freely.