Interpregnancy Interval After Stillbirth and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Medicine
• Reproductive Health
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Stillbirth is a significant adverse pregnancy outcome.
• The optimal interpregnancy interval (IPI) after stillbirth is not well-established.
• Previous studies on IPI have focused on live births, not stillbirth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI) after stillbirth and subsequent pregnancy outcomes.
• To determine if a shorter IPI increases the risk of adverse outcomes like preterm birth, preeclampsia, or recurrent stillbirth.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 5,581 individuals with a preceding stillbirth.
• IPI categorized into six groups, with 18-23 months as the referent.
• Logistic regression models adjusted for maternal demographics and preceding stillbirth gestational age.

Main Results:

• Adverse perinatal outcomes were common, with 26.7% experiencing preterm birth.
• No interpregnancy interval (IPI) category was associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.
• The shortest IPI category (less than 3 months) did not show increased risk.

Conclusions:

• Interpregnancy intervals of any length after stillbirth were not associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy.
• Findings provide reassurance for bereaved parents desiring to conceive shortly after stillbirth.
• Further research may explore specific subgroups or other potential factors influencing outcomes.