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A short interpregnancy interval is a risk factor for preterm birth and its recurrence
Emily A DeFranco1, David M Stamilio, Sarah E Boslaugh
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Center for Preterm Birth Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. defrancoe@wudosis.wustl.edu
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 11, 2007
Summary
Short interpregnancy intervals (less than 12 months) increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB) and its recurrence. Waiting at least 12 months between pregnancies is crucial for better maternal and infant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Obstetrics
- Perinatal Epidemiology
Background:
- Short interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) are a growing concern in maternal health.
- Previous research suggests a link between IPIs and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Understanding the specific risks associated with varying IPIs is essential for clinical guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between short interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) and the risk of preterm birth (PTB).
- To examine the impact of IPIs on the recurrence of PTB.
- To assess the relationship between IPIs and delivery at early extremes of gestational age.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort study utilizing Missouri's birth certificate database (1989-1997).
- Inclusion of 156,330 women with two live births within the study period.
- Statistical analysis to assess the association between IPIs and subsequent pregnancy outcomes, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Shortest IPIs (<6 months) were associated with a significantly increased risk of extreme PTB (aOR, 1.41).
- IPIs of <6 months and 6-12 months elevated the risk of overall PTB (aORs, 1.48 and 1.14, respectively).
- Short IPIs (<6 months and 6-12 months) also increased the risk of PTB recurrence (aORs, 1.44 and 1.24, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Short interpregnancy intervals (<12 months) are independently associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and its recurrence.
- These findings underscore the importance of inter-pregnancy intervals in optimizing maternal and infant health.
- Counseling women to wait at least 12 months between delivery and subsequent conception is recommended to mitigate these risks.
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