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Shorter mothers have shorter pregnancies
J G B Derraik1, T Savage1,2, P L Hofman1,2
1a Liggins Institute, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand.
Summary
Maternal height influences pregnancy length. Shorter mothers (<165 cm) had shorter pregnancies and higher rates of early term births, suggesting stature impacts offspring development.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatric Health
- Human Growth and Development
Background:
- Gestational age is a critical determinant of neonatal health and long-term outcomes.
- Maternal factors are known to influence pregnancy duration, but the specific role of maternal stature requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal height and gestational age in a cohort of term-born infants.
- To determine if maternal stature is a significant predictor of pregnancy length and risk of early term birth.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study was conducted involving 294 children born at term.
- Statistical analyses were performed to assess the relationship between maternal height (in cm) and gestational duration.
- Stratified analyses examined effects across different maternal height categories.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between increasing maternal height and longer pregnancy duration (p = 0.002).
- Shorter mothers (<165 cm) experienced pregnancies approximately 0.6-0.7 weeks shorter compared to mothers of average (165-170 cm) and taller (>170 cm) stature.
- Offspring of shorter mothers exhibited a higher likelihood of being born early term compared to those of average or taller mothers (p = 0.021 and p = 0.0003, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Maternal height is a significant contributing factor to variations in pregnancy length.
- Shorter maternal stature is linked to shorter gestational duration and an increased risk of early term birth.
- The effect of maternal stature on pregnancy length may influence long-term offspring outcomes.
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