Giving birth prematurely is one of the biggest dangers mothers and their babies can face. Complications due to preterm birth are among the leading causes of infant mortality in the U.S., and they are among the leading causes of death in children under five globally.

Now, an international team of scientists has debuted a new type of blood test that is nearly as effective as an ultrasound in determining how far along a woman is in her pregnancy and, crucially, how likely she is to give birth ahead of term.

While the test is still in early stages of development, the team says that it is cheaper and easier to transport than ultrasound equipment. If it proceeds into commercial