Effects of interpregancy interval on pregnancy outcomes in multiparas with vaginal delivery

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of interpregancy interval (IPI) on pregnancy outcomes in multiparas with vaginal delivery and to provide a scientific reference for preconception counseling and clinical guidance for women who planned to bear another child. Methods All the multiparas who labored via vaginal delivery in Peking University Third Hospital between January and December 2016 were selected in this retrospective analysis. The multiparas were divided into three groups based on their IPI. The IPI of the first group was 0-35 months (n=134) ; The IPI of the second group was 36-71 months (n=274) ; and the IPI of the third group was≥72 months (n=256) . The relationship between IPI and pregnancy complications, comorbidities, labor time, hemorrhage and perinatal outcome was analyzed. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) was found in 18 multiparas in the first group, 37 in the second group and 58 in the third group; uterine fibroid was found in 7 multiparas in the first group, 17 in the second group and 31 in the third group; there was statistically significant difference in PROM and the incidence rate of uterine fibroid between the groups with different IPI (χ2=9.379, 8.143; P<0.05) ; when confounding factors such as the mothers' age were adjusted, the risk of PROM and uterine fibroid continued to rise since the 72nd month of IPI (OR=1.888, 2.519; P<0.05) . Conclusions Longer IPI is associated with the increase in the risk of PROM and uterine fibroid. Pre-pregnancy and pregnancy education should be enhanced to ensure maternal and child health according to the characteristics of multiparas with longer IPI. Key words: Pregnancy; Premature rupture of membranes; Vaginal delivery; Multipara; Interpregnancy interval; Outcome; Uterine fibroid