Preeclampsia by maternal reasons for immigration: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Preeclampsia is a significant complication of pregnancy.
• Understanding risk factors, including immigration status, is crucial for maternal health.
• Maternal reasons for immigration may influence health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if preeclampsia occurrence differs based on maternal reasons for immigration.
• To analyze preeclampsia rates in relation to various immigrant groups in Norway.

Main Methods:

• A large cohort study in Norway (1990-2013) included 1,287,270 singleton pregnancies.
• Data linkage between the Medical Birth Registry and Statistics Norway provided individual-level information.
• Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for preeclampsia, considering preterm and very preterm preeclampsia.

Main Results:

• Overall, 2.5% of immigrant women and 3.5% of Norwegian women experienced preeclampsia.
• Labour immigrants had the lowest adjusted odds of preeclampsia (OR 0.55), while refugees had increased odds of preterm preeclampsia (OR 1.18 for <37 weeks, OR 1.41 for <34 weeks).
• Associations varied across immigrant groups, with refugees showing higher risks for preterm preeclampsia.

Conclusions:

• Preeclampsia rates were lower in immigrants overall, but specific immigration reasons modified this association.
• Pregnant women with refugee backgrounds require increased attention due to elevated risks of preterm preeclampsia.
• These findings highlight the need for tailored maternal care based on immigration background.