OBJECTIVE: To look for associations between previous fetal loss and fetal malformation or low birthweight in a subsequent pregnancy. DESIGN: A case-control study with place of birth, time and sex matched controls. SETTING: 72 South American maternity hospitals. SUBJECTS: 18,534 malformed, 1150 non-malformed babies of low birthweight and 16,394 controls. All babies were from mothers with at least one previous pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of stillbirths and miscarriages in the previous pregnancy and outcome of the index pregnancy. RESULTS: Multiple malformation, Down's syndrome, anencephaly, spina bifida, pes equinovarus, congenital dislocation of the hip and low birthweight are associated with previous fetal loss. CONCLUSION: A miscarriage or a stillbirth in a previous pregnancy should be taken into account when the risk of malformations or low birthweight in a subsequent pregnancy is assessed.
OBJECTIVE: To look for associations between previous fetal loss and fetal malformation or low birthweight in a subsequent pregnancy. DESIGN: A case-control study with place of birth, time and sex matched controls. SETTING: 72 South American maternity hospitals. SUBJECTS: 18,534 malformed, 1150 non-malformed babies of low birthweight and 16,394 controls. All babies were from mothers with at least one previous pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of stillbirths and miscarriages in the previous pregnancy and outcome of the index pregnancy. RESULTS: Multiple malformation, Down's syndrome, anencephaly, spina bifida, pes equinovarus, congenital dislocation of the hip and low birthweight are associated with previous fetal loss. CONCLUSION: A miscarriage or a stillbirth in a previous pregnancy should be taken into account when the risk of malformations or low birthweight in a subsequent pregnancy is assessed.