According to a group of scientists, premature birth tends to run in families.

In the University of Aberdeen study, which was published in Obstetrics and Gynecology journal, researchers discovered that early births risk is linked to the science of genetics.

The research was based on maternity records of 22,343 Scottish moms and their daughters

Boffins found that females born ahead of time or who have brothers or sisters who were born prematurely are 50-60% more likely to have a premature baby themselves.

Study's lead author Dr. Sohinee Bhattacharya said, "Our research supports a genetic predisposition to preterm birth.

"Further research should focus on the identification of candidate genes for the condition." (With Inputs from Agencies)