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Low birth weight in relation to multiple induced abortions.
M T Mandelson1, C B Maden, J R Daling
1Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA.
American Journal of Public Health
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Multiple induced abortions do not significantly increase the risk of low birth weight infants. This study found no elevated risk even with three or more prior pregnancy terminations.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Perinatal Epidemiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Existing research suggests a single induced abortion does not elevate the risk of subsequent low birth weight infants.
- The impact of multiple induced abortions on infant birth weight remains inadequately studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the number of prior induced abortions and the risk of delivering a low birth weight infant.
- To evaluate if multiple pregnancy terminations influence subsequent infant birth weight outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 6541 White women delivering their first child between 1984 and 1987.
- Comparison of low birth weight infant frequencies among women with zero, one, two, three, and four or more prior induced abortions.
Main Results:
- No linear relationship was observed between the number of prior induced abortions and the risk of low birth weight.
- Relative risks for low birth weight were not significantly elevated for women with one, two, three, or four or more prior abortions.
Conclusions:
- Findings support previous reports indicating minimal or no adverse effects on birth weight from one or multiple induced abortions.
- The risk of low birth weight is not significantly increased even in women with three, four, or more prior pregnancy terminations compared to those with one or two.