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Published on: November 20, 2015
Previous stillbirth, late preterm, and early-term birth
1Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. robert.silver@hsc.utah.edu
Seminars in Perinatology
|October 4, 2011
Summary
Subsequent pregnancies after stillbirth carry higher risks. Early delivery before 39 weeks has not been proven to improve outcomes for these high-risk pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal medicine
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Reproductive health
Background:
- Subsequent pregnancies following stillbirth are emotionally distressing.
- These pregnancies have a 2- to 10-fold increased risk of stillbirth and other adverse obstetrical outcomes.
- Increased medical risks and anxiety contribute to higher rates of preterm and early-term births.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review data on the optimal timing of delivery in subsequent pregnancies after stillbirth.
- To provide management recommendations for pregnancies at risk of stillbirth.
- To highlight knowledge gaps in current practices.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing data.
- Analysis of risks associated with subsequent pregnancies after stillbirth.
- Evaluation of delivery timing strategies.
Main Results:
- Delivery before 39 weeks' gestation has not demonstrated a reduction in recurrent stillbirth risk.
- Evidence does not support routine early delivery for improved outcomes in these cases.
- Current data suggests a need for individualized management plans.
Conclusions:
- Optimal timing of delivery in subsequent pregnancies after stillbirth requires further investigation.
- Management recommendations are presented based on current evidence.
- Knowledge gaps in managing high-risk pregnancies are identified.
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