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Maternal and pregnancy-related factors associated with developmental delay in moderately preterm-born children

Jorien M Kerstjens1, Andrea F de Winter, Krystyna M Sollie

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, and the Department of Health Sciences and the Division of Obstetrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Maternal obesity, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth, multiple births, and male sex are linked to developmental delays in moderately preterm children. Addressing these factors may improve developmental outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric developmental neuroscience
  • Maternal-fetal medicine
  • Public health

Background:

  • Moderately preterm birth (32-35 weeks gestation) is associated with increased risks of developmental delay.
  • Identifying pre-existing maternal and pregnancy-related factors is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal and pregnancy-related factors and developmental delay in early childhood among moderately preterm-born children.

Main Methods:

  • Development was assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire at 43-49 months in 834 moderately preterm children.
  • Data on maternal, fetal, and delivery factors were collected.
  • Adjusted odds ratios and attributable risks were calculated.

Main Results:

  • Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) was associated with a 14.2% attributable risk for developmental delay.
  • Maternal prepregnancy obesity showed a 10.5% attributable risk.
  • Multiple pregnancy and male sex were also significantly associated with increased risk.

Conclusions:

  • SGA, maternal obesity, multiple birth, and male sex are key risk factors for developmental delay in moderately preterm children.
  • Preventing intrauterine growth restriction, promoting preconception weight loss, and reducing multiple births may improve outcomes.
Abstract

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