Does ill health start in the placenta? This question lies at the heart of a new research project to find a simple blood test that can predict premature birth.

Listen to this article 10 min Listen to this article 10 min The socio-economic benefits of finding such a blood test and developing ways of preventing premature birth are incalculable.

The adverse effects that often come with premature birth are difficult for parents, and countries, to deal with - children born prematurely often suffer stunted growth, are more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections and often have long-term learning difficulties.

The more we can prevent premature birth the stronger, physically and mentally, societies can be. Wherever this is achieved, the need for government spending on disability grants will diminish, freeing state funds for other social goods. The effect, in South Africa specifically and sub-Saharan Africa more broadly, will be immense. South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa already carry a heavy burden of disease in terms of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria - all conditions that are linked to pregnant women delivering preterm.

So, do events leading to premature birth start in the placenta? The placenta is amazing. It is the only human organ that the female body builds when it needs it, and expels when its job is done at the end of a pregnancy. It serves as the life link...