According to a new study, a 35-year-old woman gave birth to a stillborn baby after 39 weeks of pregnancy, and the baby’s death was found to be caused by gum disease – gingivitis – suffered by the mother. This is the first instance of oral bacteria causing fetal death in an almost full-term baby. The findings, published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, show that the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, suffered from gingivitis and gave birth to a stillborn baby after 39 weeks of pregnancy, and that doctors were able to find bacteria in the mother’s mouth and in the baby’s bloodstream, lungs and stomach upon examination. A microbiologist in Ohio, USA, published the report. The scientist believes that any kind of rupture of the amniotic fluid can pose a risk to the mother and the fetus, and that infections caused by gum disease are very dangerous indeed. The woman who gave birth to the stillborn baby was treated and gave birth to a healthy baby after her second pregnancy. Dr. Nigel Carter, president of the British Dental Health Foundation, said, “This is a very dangerous situation. Dr. Carter said, “This example shows that improving the oral health of pregnant women can have a crucial impact on the unborn baby. If you’re pregnant, it’s important to take care of your oral hygiene.”