It has been revealed by a 12-year health study in Adelaide that male fetus finds it difficult to cope with extended stress during pregnancy.

The study, which was carried out by the University of Adelaide study has found that male fetuses in the initial stages can handle stress like smoking better, compared to females. However, if the stress continues over time, female fetus shows a better growth patterns

Lead researcher, Professor Vicki Clifton reveals that male fetus often needs more protection.

She states, "In relation to a poor outcome we're talking about they stop growing and become growth restricted or deliver pre-term, and in the worst case scenario, but this is a very rare scenario, they could end up being stillborn".

She evinces that this research will help create sex-specific therapies, which will help in the creation of more precise sex-specific therapies, along with exact growth and development forecast for fetuses at risk.

Clinton stated that the findings came as a surprise since now the conception of how fetuses grow will not be altered. Previously it was thought that male and female fetuses grow in the same way.