The gender war took place before the twins were born

Tel Aviv University researchers believe that the gender war begins in the womb. And it is likely to carry troublesome consequences - boys can hurt the health of twin girls before they are born.

In a study published recently in Pediatrics, the researchers analyzed the effects of complications, such as respiratory syndrome, commonly found in premature twins. They also found that premature babies, girls with a baby in a baby boy lose the respiratory health advantage commonly seen in premature babies.

Professor Brian Reichman, a professor of pediatrics at Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine, said: 'Research shows that disadvantages in boys seem to be transferred to girls in the womb.'

Twin girls lose their advantages

Compared to premature male twins, premature women have 60% advantage.The premature female twins often do not suffer from chronic respiratory and lung disease symptoms sometimes seen in premature babies.This advantage of girls who lost their twins was boys.(Photo: iStockphto / Michael Blackburn)

Compared to premature male twins, premature women have 60% advantage. The premature female twins often do not suffer from chronic respiratory and lung disease symptoms sometimes seen in premature babies.This advantage of girls who lost their twins was boys.

The study hopes to help pediatricians better understand the health risks and consequences of premature babies.

Professor Reichman analyzed data collected by Israel's Neonatal network about 8858 very low-weight children (between 1 and 3 pounds) born between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. The study included children born between 1995 and 2003, including first-born and same-sex twins and opposite sex.

The beginning in the womb

TAU research seems quite unusual. Studies of twins often focus on what happens after birth, when complex elements of the environment and learned behavior emerge. 'But the consequences started right from my womb,' said Professor Reichman. The studies he cited pointed out that girls with male twins may be more male-like in later life.

Dr. David K. Stevenson, of the Department of Pediatrics - Stanford University, commented on the study that 'Focus on the weak side: Don't get too close to your twin.' Dr. Jon. E. Tyson, Department of Pediatrics - Texas Medical University, summarized the following results: 'At this time there are still some biological facts that answer an ancient article about children that boys are made of snakes, snails and puppy tails and girls are made of sugar and spices and all that is beautiful. '

'It may be natural to know some things that we don't know,' wrote Dr Stevenson and Tyson. Scientists who carried out the study took information from the Israel Neonatal network, a network of 28 newly established boards in Israel. The co-authors of the study include Professor Eric Shinwell and Isaac Blickstein, both of Kaplan Medical Center - Rehovot University and Hebrew.

Professor Reichman also worked at Sheba Medical Center, Safra Children's Hospital, Tel Hashomerr Academy and Gertner Epidemiology Institute.