Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Gastroschisis, low maternal age, and fetal morbidity outcomes

Donath Emusu1, Hamisu M Salihu, Zakari Y Aliyu

  • 1Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA.

Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and Molecular Teratology
|October 22, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Teen mothers with gastroschisis-affected fetuses face higher risks of low birth weight and very preterm birth. This finding aids healthcare providers in planning and counseling parents of affected infants.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal medicine
  • Neonatology
  • Maternal-fetal medicine

Background:

  • Gastroschisis is a congenital defect with potential impacts on fetal growth.
  • Maternal age is a known factor influencing pregnancy outcomes.
  • Understanding risks associated with teenage pregnancy in gastroschisis cases is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether younger mothers (teenagers) have a higher risk of fetal growth inhibition in fetuses diagnosed with gastroschisis.
  • To compare adverse fetal outcomes between infants of teenage mothers and mature mothers with gastroschisis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study analyzing live-born infants with isolated gastroschisis in New York State (1983-1999).
  • Comparison of outcomes between infants of mothers younger than 20 years and those 20 years or older.
  • Assessment of fetal morbidity outcomes including low birth weight, very low birth weight, preterm birth, very preterm birth, and small for gestational age.

Main Results:

  • Infants of teen mothers with gastroschisis were significantly more likely to be low birth weight (OR=1.70) and very preterm (OR=2.80).
  • Mean gestational age and birth weight were lower for infants of teen mothers compared to mature mothers.
  • No significant differences were found for very low birth weight, preterm birth, or small for gestational age outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Young maternal age is identified as a risk factor for low birth weight and very preterm birth in fetuses with gastroschisis.
  • These findings can inform care planning for healthcare providers.
  • The results are valuable for counseling parents of infants diagnosed with gastroschisis.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Meiosis vs. Mitosis02:57

Meiosis vs. Mitosis

Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...