How farm life can reduce the chances of asthma for an unborn child
Last updated 9/4/2008 11:01:59 PM
How farm life can reduce the chances of asthma for an unborn child
Fascinating new research suggests that pregnant women who live on a farm during pregnancy may reduce the chance of their child developing asthma, eczema and even hayfever.
Scientists from Massey University in New Zealand concluded that exposure to animals and the bacteria they carry may positively affect the foetus's immune system.
The researchers said exposure before and after birth halved the risk of the conditions. The study of more than 1,300 farmers' children suggests this protection could start building even before birth.
The reasons why this might happen are unclear, although they are likely to be related to the way that the child begins to develop its immune system.
Living on a farm means frequent contact with animal bacteria, perhaps through the consumption of unpasteurised milk, or contact with the animals directly.