Contaminated water linked to pregnancy complications, BU study finds

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-09/bumc-cwl093014.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 30-Sep-2014

Contact: Lisa Chedekel
Boston University Medical Center
Contaminated water linked to pregnancy complications, BU study finds

Prenatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in drinking water may increase the risk of stillbirth and placental abruption, according to a new study led by a Boston University School of Public Health researcher.

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Pregnancies among women with high PCE exposure had 2.38 times the risk of stillbirth and 1.35 times the risk of placental abruption, compared to unexposed pregnancies. Also, the study found an elevated risk of vaginal bleeding in pregnancies where women had PCE exposure greater than or equal to the sample median.

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