DNA differences which appear to affect the risk of giving birth early have been found by US scientists.
The US National Institutes of Health study found the variants in both babies and mothers, a US conference was told.
It is thought they may play a role in controlling immune responses which could theoretically trigger labour if they become too powerful.
Premature birth - which accounts for 7% of UK births - is one of the biggest threats to a baby's future health.
The causes of premature birth are poorly understood, although infections and other medical complications are blamed in some cases.
The study looked at 700 DNA variants in 190 genes in women who delivered early, and those who carried their baby to term.
The cord blood of the babies was also tested for these variations.
They narrowed the search down to a handful of gene variations found more often in the women who gave birth prematurely, and their babies.
In particular, babies who carried the gene for the "Interleukin 6 receptor" were more likely to be born early.
This was a good candidate gene because Interleukin 6 is produced by cells in response to infection and is involved in inflammation.
High levels of Interleukin 6 in the amniotic fluid and foetal blood have been linked to the onset of premature labour. - BBC
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