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Is paternal age associated with an increased risk of low birthweight, preterm delivery, and multiple birth?

Suzanne C Tough1, Alexandra J Faber, Lawrence W Svenson

  • 1Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. suzanne.tough@calgaryhealthregion.ca

Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne De Sante Publique
|April 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Advanced paternal age did not increase risks for low birthweight (LBW) or preterm birth in low-risk mothers. However, increased paternal age correlated with higher multiple birth rates, warranting further research.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Perinatal Epidemiology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

  • Paternal age is increasingly recognized as a factor in reproductive outcomes.
  • Previous studies have yielded mixed results regarding the impact of paternal age on birth complications.
  • This study focuses on low-risk mothers to isolate the effect of paternal age.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between advanced paternal age and adverse birth outcomes.
  • Specifically examining risks for low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth, and multiple gestation.
  • To assess these risks in mothers not considered high-risk based on their own age.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized population-based birth data from Alberta Health and Wellness (1990-1996).
  • Analyzed birth outcomes in relation to maternal and paternal age.
  • Stratified analysis for singleton and multiple births.

Main Results:

  • No significant link between paternal age and LBW or preterm birth in women aged 25-29.
  • Multiple birth rates showed a statistically significant increase with higher paternal age (p < 0.01).
  • Advanced paternal age (>50 years) was associated with increased risk of LBW and preterm birth in singleton births (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Paternal age is not identified as a risk factor for LBW or preterm delivery in low-risk women.
  • The observed increase in multiple birth rates with paternal age requires validation in diverse populations.
  • Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.
Abstract

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