Infant Birthweight (infant + birthweight)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Iron supplement in pregnancy and development of gestational diabetes,a randomised placebo-controlled trial

BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 6 2009
KKL Chan
Objective, To test the hypothesis that iron supplement from early pregnancy would increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Design, Randomised placebo-controlled trial. Setting, A university teaching hospital in Hong Kong. Population, One thousand one hundred sixty-four women with singleton pregnancy at less than 16 weeks of gestation with haemoglobin (Hb) level between 8 and 14 g/dl and no pre-existing diabetes or haemoglobinopathies. Methods, Women were randomly allocated to receive 60 mg of iron supplement daily (n= 565) or placebo (n= 599). Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were performed at 28 and 36 weeks. Women were followed up until delivery. Outcome measures, The primary outcome was development of GDM at 28 weeks. The secondary outcomes were 2-hour post-OGTT glucose levels, development of GDM at 36 weeks and delivery and infant outcomes. Results, There was no significant difference in the incidence of GDM in the iron supplement and placebo groups at 28 weeks (OR: 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7,1.53 at 90% power) or 36 weeks. Maternal Hb and ferritin levels were higher in the iron supplement group at delivery (P < 0.001 and P= 0.003, respectively). Elective caesarean section rate was lower in the iron supplement group (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37,0.89). Infant birthweight was heavier (P= 0.001), and there were fewer small-for-gestational-age babies in the iron supplement group (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.24,0.85). Conclusion, Iron supplement from early pregnancy does not increase the risk of GDM. It may have benefits in terms of pregnancy outcomes. [source]


Cessation of periodontal care during pregnancy: effect on infant birthweight

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2006
Philippe P. Hujoel
The goal of this study was to assess whether interruption of care for chronic periodontitis during pregnancy increased the risk of low-birthweight infants. A population-based case-control study was designed with 793 cases (infants <,2,500 g) and a random sample of 3,172 controls (infants ,,2,500 g). Generalized estimating equation models were used to relate periodontal treatment history to low birthweight risk and to common risk factors. The results indicate that periodontal care utilization was associated with a 2.35-fold increased odds of self-reported smoking during pregnancy (95% confidence interval: 1.48,3.71), a 2.19-fold increased odds for diabetes (95% confidence interval: 1.21,3.98), a 3.90-fold increased odds for black race (95% confidence interval: 2.31,6.61), and higher maternal age. After adjustment for these factors, interruption of periodontal care during pregnancy did not lead to an increased risk for a low-birthweight infant when compared to women with no history of periodontal care (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.60,1.52). In conclusion, women receiving periodontal care had genetic and environmental characteristics, such as smoking, diabetes and race, that were associated with an increased risk for low-birthweight infants. Periodontal care patterns, in and of themselves, were unrelated to low-birthweight risk. [source]


Prenatal and intrapartum events and sudden infant death syndrome

PAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002
Hillary S. Klonoff-Cohen
Summary The purpose of this study was to evaluate specific pregnancy and labour and delivery events that may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A matched case,control study was conducted in five counties in southern California, using California death certificate records. The sample consisted of 239 Caucasian, African,American, Hispanic and Asian mothers of SIDS infants and 239 mothers of control infants matched on sex, race, birth hospital and date of birth. Mothers participated in a detailed telephone interview and provided access to obstetric and paediatric records. More case than control mothers reported a family history of anaemia (OR = 2.12, P < 0.001). Placental abruptions were strongly associated with SIDS (unadjusted OR = 7.94, [95% CI 1.34,47.12]). There was an increased risk of SIDS death associated with maternal anaemia during pregnancy (OR = 2.51, [95% CI 1.25,5.03]), while simultaneously adjusting for maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal years of education and age, parity, infant birthweight, gestational age, medical conditions at birth, infant sleep position and post-natal smoking. Interactions of anaemia and prenatal smoking as well as anaemia and post-natal smoking were not statistically significant. There were no other statistically significant differences between case and control mothers for pregnancy conditions, labour and delivery events (e.g. caesarean sections, anaesthesia, forceps) or newborn complications (e.g. nuchal cord, meconium aspiration). Anaemia and placental abruptions were significantly associated with an increased risk of SIDS; both are circumstances in which a fetus may become hypoxic, thereby compromising the subsequent growth, development and ultimate survival of the infant. [source]


Obstetric-induced incontinence: A black hole of preventable morbidity

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
Michelle J. THORNTON
Abstract There is a detailed literature comprising clinical and anorectal physiological studies linking faecal incontinence to vaginal delivery. Specific risk factors are high infant birthweight, forceps delivery and prolonged second stage of labour. The onset of symptoms may be delayed for many years. Faecal incontinence occurs in more than 10% of adult females and urinary incontinence in about a third of multiparous women. This places a very large economic burden on the Australian health system. A conservative estimate for overall management of incontinence would be in excess of $A700 million but the actual amount is unknown. Preventative measures for avoiding pelvic floor injuries need to be established, and safe obstetric practice needs to be redefined in the light of current knowledge about incontinence. Outcome measures for safe birthing should not only include infant and maternal mortality and infant morbidity, but should also include the long-term effects of vaginal delivery on the pelvic floor, particularly urinary and faecal incontinence. Several state reports and one federal senate report on safe birthing have been lacking in this area. The safety of birthing centres and home birthing needs to be examined to provide birthing mothers with complete and appropriate information about safety in order that they may consider their options. Appropriate Caesarean section rates for optimal birthing safety are unknown and need to be re-examined. Calls for overall reduction in Caesarean section rates in Australia are inappropriate and cannot be justified until the effects of pelvic floor injury are added to the overall assessment. [source]


Factors Related to Genital Tract Trauma in Normal Spontaneous Vaginal Births

BIRTH, Issue 2 2006
Leah L. Albers CNM
In settings with very low rates, evidence remains sparse on how best to facilitate birth without lacerations. The purpose of this investigation was to identify maternal and clinical factors related to genital tract trauma in normal, spontaneous vaginal births. Methods:Data from a randomized clinical trial of perineal management techniques were used to address the study objective. Healthy women had spontaneous births with certified nurse-midwives in a medical center setting. Proportions of maternal characteristics and intrapartum variables were compared in women who did and did not sustain sufficient trauma to warrant suturing, according to parity (first vaginal births versus others). Logistic regression using a backward elimination strategy was used to identify predictors of obstetric trauma. Results: In women who had a first vaginal birth, risk factors for trauma were maternal education of high school or beyond, Valsalva pushing, and infant birthweight. Risk factors in women having a second or higher vaginal birth were prior sutured trauma and infant birthweight. For all mothers, delivery of the infant's head between contractions was associated with reduced trauma to the genital tract. Conclusions:Delivery technique that is unrushed and controlled may help reduce obstetric trauma in normal, spontaneous vaginal births. (BIRTH 33:2 June 2006) [source]


Does Postpartum Length of Stay Affect Breastfeeding Duration?

BIRTH, Issue 3 2003
A Population-Based Study
Women leaving the hospital early may also have household responsibilities that could interfere with breastfeeding. This study examined the relationship between postpartum length of stay and breastfeeding cessation. Methods: This study used data from 10,519 respondents to the California Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA) surveys from 1999 to 2001. MIHA is an annual statewide stratified random sample, population-based study of childbearing women in California. Survival analysis was used to examine the relationship between length of stay and length of time breastfeeding. Women were asked about the number of nights their infant stayed in the hospital at birth, whether they breastfed, and if so, the age of the child when they stopped. Hospital stay was defined in three categories: standard (2 nights for a vaginal delivery, 4 nights for a cesarean section), or shorter or longer than the standard stay. Results: Approximately 88 percent of women initiated breastfeeding. Unadjusted predictors of breastfeeding cessation included short or long postpartum stay; young maternal age; Hispanic, African American, or Asian/Pacific Islander race/ethnicity; being unmarried; low income or education level; primiparity; being born in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia; smoking during pregnancy; and low infant birthweight. After adjustment for potential confounders, women with a short stay remained slightly more likely to terminate breastfeeding than women with a standard stay (relative risk, 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.01, 1.23). Conclusion: Women who leave the hospital earlier than the standard recommended stay are at somewhat increased risk of terminating breastfeeding early. (BIRTH 30:3 September 2003) [source]


Obstetric management of a woman's first delivery and the implications for pelvic floor surgery in later life

BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 8 2005
Ramalingam Uma
Objective To determine the influence of intrapartum care during a first delivery on the risk of pelvic floor surgery in later life. Design Nested case,control study with record linkage of a historical cohort and a current morbidity database. Setting Hospital births in Dundee 1952,1966. Population The 7556 primiparous women from the Walker cohort. Methods The cases (n= 352) were women who delivered a first singleton baby at term (,37 weeks) and subsequently had pelvic floor surgery. Controls (n= 1403) were women who delivered their first baby during the same time period and did not undergo surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed taking account of demographic, anthropometric and obstetric factors. Main outcome measure Pelvic floor surgery. Results Caesarean section was associated with a reduced risk of pelvic floor surgery compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery (odds ratio 0.16, 95% CI 0.05,0.55). Forceps delivery and infant birthweight >4.0 kg were not identified as significant risk factors (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.71, 1.25, and OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.50, 1.75, respectively). Episiotomy and prolonged labour (>12 hours) may be associated risk factors but were of borderline significance (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.99, 2.10, and OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.00, 2.27). Conclusion Caesarean section in a first pregnancy appears to protect against pelvic floor surgery in later life. [source]


The influence of maternal cigarette smoking, snuff use and passive smoking on pregnancy outcomes: the Birth To Ten Study

PAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006
Krisela Steyn
Summary Steyn K, de Wet T, Saloojee Y, Nel H, Yach D. The influence of maternal cigarette smoking, snuff use and passive smoking on pregnancy outcomes: the Birth To Ten Study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2006; 20: 90,99. This article describes the patterns and effects of maternal snuff use, cigarette smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke during pregnancy on birthweight and gestational age, in women living in Johannesburg and Soweto in 1990. A cohort of 1593 women with singleton live births provided information about their own and household members' usage of tobacco products during pregnancy. The women completed a questionnaire while attending antenatal services. Data on gestational age and birthweight were obtained from birth records. Women who smoked cigarettes or used snuff during pregnancy accounted for 6.1% and 7.5% of the study population respectively. The mean birthweight of non-tobacco users was 3148 g [95% CI 3123, 3173] and that of the smokers 2982 g [95% CI 2875, 3090], resulting in a significantly lower mean birthweight of 165 g for babies of smoking mothers (P = 0.005). In contrast, women using snuff gave birth to infants with a mean birthweight of 3118 g [95% CI 3043, 3192], which is a non-significant (P = 0.52) decrease (29.4 g) in their infants' birthweights compared with those not using tobacco. A linear regression analysis identified short gestational age, female infant, a mother without hypertension during pregnancy, coloured (mixed racial ancestry), and Asian infants compared with black infants, lower parity, less than 12 years of education and smoking cigarettes as significant predictors of low birthweight, while the use of snuff during pregnancy was not associated with low birthweight. The snuff users, however, had a significant shorter gestational age than the other two groups of women. The birthweight reduction adjusted for possible confounders was 137 g [95% CI 26.6, 247.3 (P = 0.015)] for cigarette smokers and 17.1 g [95% CI ,69.5, ,102.7, P = 0.69] for snuff users respectively, compared with the birthweight of non-tobacco users. Among women who did not smoke cigarettes or use snuff, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke did not result in significant effects on the birthweight of their infants. In conclusion, infants of cigarette smokers had significantly lower birthweights than those of non-tobacco users or snuff users who are exposed to nicotine during pregnancy. Passive smoking did not affect birthweight significantly in this population. [source]