The impact of the interpregnancy interval on birth weight and other pregnancy outcomes

Abdulbari Bener,Khalil Mohd Khalil Salameh,Nancy Samson,Najah Mohammed Saleh,Basma Basha,Rama Albuz,Sharen Joseph

doi:10.1590/s1519-38292012000300003

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: to investigate the relationship between the interpregnancy interval and low birth weight and other pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: this case-control study was carried out in hospitals from January 2010 to April 2011. For cases, mothers of 1216 newborns with birth weight<2500 g were approached and 854 mothers participated (70.2%). For controls, mothers of 1158 newborns with >2500 g were approached and 854 mothers participated in this study (73.7%). Face-to-face interviews were conducted to complete the questionnaires. RESULTS: of the newborn babies with low birth weight, the risk was higher among mothers with a short interpregnancy interval (40.3%), whereas for infants with normal birth weight, the majority of the mothers had a longer interpregnancy interval of 24 months (44.7%). A short interpregnancy interval of 612 months was more common among women of <25years (49.4%; p<0.001) and those who were illiterate (13.1%; p=0.043) with a higher risk of low birth weight compared to the controls. Prenatal care during the 1st trimester was lower in women with low birth weight children (p<0.001). Normal delivery was observed less in women with a short birth interval among cases (58.7%) compared to controls (79%) (p=0.001). A J-shaped association was observed between low birth weight and the interpregnancy interval. CONCLUSIONS: a short interpregnancy interval is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, especially in younger and illiterate women.

Highlights

Birth spacing has become a major health promotion program strategy for mothers and children in recent decades in developing countries
Of the newborn babies with low birth weight
A birth spacing program using contraceptives is not encouraged for Arab women and the interpregnancy interval has been reported as an important factor for the mother and child

Summary

Introduction

Birth spacing has become a major health promotion program strategy for mothers and children in recent decades in developing countries. The interpregnancy interval (IPI) has been reported to influence the outcome of pregnancy and birth. The major negative pregnancy outcomes include neonatal mortality, low birth weight, still birth, malformations of the baby, and death of the mother due to difficulties during delivery. These factors may include poor nutrition of the women, child spacing, maternal age less than 15 years and over 35 years, inadequate prenatal care, lifestyle behaviours like smoking, overweight and obesity.[3] Appropriate pregnancy spacing has been recommended to achieve better perinatal outcomes. Birth spacing is an important consideration when planning a family

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion