OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association between subfertility and low birth weight infants. DESIGN: Women in this analysis participated in a cross-sectional investigation of maternal risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. SETTING: Medical and obstetric history and life style information were obtained from women who delivered at the Boston Hospital for Women, 1977 to 1980. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Our analysis was restricted to nondiabetic married women who planned their pregnancies and subsequently delivered viable singletons (3,622). The 644 "subfertile" women (no conception during a year of unprotected intercourse) were compared with 2,978 "fertile" women (conception within 1 year). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The relative risk of low birth weight was estimated using the cumulative incidence risk ratio. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding, the relative risk of delivering a low birth weight infant (less than 2,500 g) for subfertile women versus fertile women was 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 2.8). The adjusted relative risk of delivering a term low birth weight (intrauterine growth retarded) infant was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.2 to 4.4). CONCLUSIONS: In these data, subfertility is a predictor for low birth weight. The association may result from endocrinological, immunological, cervical, or other factors that interfere with optimal fetal growth.
OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association between subfertility and low birth weight infants. DESIGN:Women in this analysis participated in a cross-sectional investigation of maternal risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. SETTING: Medical and obstetric history and life style information were obtained from women who delivered at the Boston Hospital for Women, 1977 to 1980. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Our analysis was restricted to nondiabetic married women who planned their pregnancies and subsequently delivered viable singletons (3,622). The 644 "subfertile" women (no conception during a year of unprotected intercourse) were compared with 2,978 "fertile" women (conception within 1 year). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The relative risk of low birth weight was estimated using the cumulative incidence risk ratio. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding, the relative risk of delivering a low birth weight infant (less than 2,500 g) for subfertile women versus fertile women was 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 2.8). The adjusted relative risk of delivering a term low birth weight (intrauterine growth retarded) infant was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.2 to 4.4). CONCLUSIONS: In these data, subfertility is a predictor for low birth weight. The association may result from endocrinological, immunological, cervical, or other factors that interfere with optimal fetal growth.
Authors: Maureen A Cooney; Germaine M Buck Louis; Rajeshwari Sundaram; Bridget M McGuiness; Courtney D Lynch Journal: Epidemiology Date: 2009-01 Impact factor: 4.822
Authors: Germaine M Buck Louis; Mary L Hediger; Erin M Bell; Christopher A Kus; Rajeshwari Sundaram; Alexander C McLain; Edwina Yeung; Elaine A Hills; Marie E Thoma; Charlotte M Druschel Journal: Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol Date: 2014-03-25 Impact factor: 3.980