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In a surprise find, placentas harbor bacteria

Wombs aren't sterile after all, hosting microbes that resemble those in women’s mouths

EARLY FRIENDSHIP  Babies and bacteria become acquainted during pregnancy when microbes set up shop in the placenta, new research indicates. An abnormal mix of these friendly microbes may trigger premature birth.

Nicolle R. Fuller

By Tina Hesman Saey

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