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Interpregnancy interval and low birth weight: findings from a case-control study.
E M Ferraz1, R H Gray, P L Fleming
1University of Brasilia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brazil.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Short interpregnancy intervals (≤6 months) may increase the risk of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). This association appears mediated by maternal nutritional status, particularly low postpartum body weight. No link was found with preterm delivery.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Nutritional Epidemiology
Background:
- Short interpregnancy intervals (birth-to-conception intervals ≤6 months) are a potential risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Previous research suggests a link between interpregnancy interval and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), but the mediating factors require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between preceding birth-to-conception interval and pregnancy outcomes, specifically intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and preterm delivery.
- To explore the potential role of maternal nutritional status, indicated by postpartum body weight, in mediating the relationship between short interpregnancy intervals and IUGR.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted in Natal, Brazil, between September 1984 and February 1986.
- 303 cases of IUGR and 282 cases of preterm delivery were compared with 1,710 normal controls.
- Logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders and assess the impact of interpregnancy intervals and maternal postpartum body weight.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increased risk of IUGR was associated with interpregnancy intervals of six months or less (adjusted risk ratio = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.02-1.86).
- This association became non-significant when maternal postpartum body weight was included in the model (adjusted risk ratio = 1.25; 95% CI: 0.91-1.72).
- Short interpregnancy intervals were more common in women with lower postpartum body weight (<45 kg), suggesting a mediating role for maternal nutritional status.
Conclusions:
- Short interpregnancy intervals may increase the risk of intrauterine growth retardation, potentially mediated by maternal nutritional status.
- Maternal postpartum body weight appears to be a significant factor in the relationship between short interpregnancy intervals and IUGR.
- No association was found between birth-to-conception intervals and preterm delivery in this study population.