(January 30, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to research in the Journal of Pediatrics, autism may be linked to premature birth. In a study of nearly 1,000 children, researchers found that those born at least three months before the due date were significantly more likely to screen positive for possible autism. It was found that 21% of those born prematurely screened positive, compared to 6% among those born full-term.

From Rochester - According to research in Environmental Health Perspectives, bisphenol A, the chemical found in many plastics, may linger in the body longer than previously thought. In a study of nearly 1,500 people, researchers found that, while BPA was thought to be quickly eliminated from the body through urine, those who fasted for 8.5 hours had the same BPA levels as those who fasted for 24 hours. If BPA does indeed produce harmful effects, then the longer it lingers the more damage it can do.
 
And finally, from Sweden - According to research in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, drinking too much water during childbirth may be harmful. In a study of nearly 300 pregnant women, researchers found that those who drank more than 2,500 mL of fluid during labour were more likely to have too little sodium in their blood. This condition, known as hyponatremia, resulted in a longer second stage of labour and a greater risk of requiring an emergency C-section.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.