Researchers at Aston University have discovered that giving hydrogen sulfide to pregnant women can block chemicals that cause blood pressure and can lead to pre-eclampsia - a condition kills around 600 babies every year.
The gas in its natural form is toxic so any future treatment would be in a pill form, the researchers said.
Hydrogen sulfide, known for it’s foul rotten egg smell, can block two chemicals responsible for high blood pressure and stunting the growth of foetuses.
The researchers hope the treatment could be developed by 2020, offering an alternative to emergency c-section births.
Read more at Aston University