Risk Factors for Preterm Birth and Small‐for‐gestational‐age Births among Canadian Women. Issue 1 (5th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heaman, Maureen; Kingston, Dawn; Chalmers, Beverley; Sauve, Reginald; Lee, Lily; Young, David
• Is Part Of: Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology. Volume 27:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2012-12-05
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Pediatric epidemiology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-5022

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="ppe12016-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Preterm births (PTB) and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) births are distinct but related pregnancy outcomes, with differing aetiologies and short and long‐term morbidities. Few studies have compared a broad array of predictors among these two outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare risk factors for PTB and SGA births using a national sample of Canadian women.</p> </sec> <sec id="ppe12016-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>We analysed data from the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey (<italic>n</italic> = 6421). Mothers were ≥15 years of age, gave birth to a singleton infant and were living with their infant at the time of the interview (between 5 and 14 months post‐partum). Backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression models were constructed for each outcome.</p> </sec> <sec id="ppe12016-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Risk profiles for the two outcomes had both differences and similarities. Risk factors specific to PTB were education less than high school, having a previous medical condition, developing a new medical condition or health problem during pregnancy, being a primigravida, or being a multigravida with a previous PTB or a previous miscarriage or abortion. Risk factors unique to SGA were low pre‐pregnancy body mass index (<18 kg/m<sup>2</sup>), smoking during pregnancy and being a recent immigrant. Risk factors for both outcomes included low weight gain during pregnancy (<9.1 kg), short stature (<155 cm) and reporting life as 'very stressful' in the year prior to birth of the baby.</p> </sec> <sec id="ppe12016-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>A greater understanding of the risk factors related to PTB and SGA may help to reduce the prevalence of these conditions and the associated risk of infant mortality and morbidity.</p> </sec> </abstract>