In a nutshell
This study investigated the outcomes of pregnancy after stillbirth (SB). They found that pregnancy within 12 months of SB was not associated with negative outcomes.
Some background
The interpregnancy interval (IPI) is the time between the end of one pregnancy and the start of another. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a 2-year IPI after a live birth (LB). They also recommend a 6-month IPI after miscarriage or abortion. This reduces the risk of negative pregnancy outcomes in the next pregnancy.
There is less evidence on the ideal IPI after stillbirth (SB). Many couples are eager to try and conceive a child soon after SB. It is unclear what IPI is optimal for pregnancy after stillbirth.
Methods & findings
This study included 14,452 women that had a LB after SB. The data were extracted from medical records in Finland, Norway, and Western Australia. The authors used this data to calculate the odds for pregnancy outcomes. These included SB, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA; a smaller than normal child) birth.
The average IPI was 9 months. 63% of women conceived in the 12 months after SB. 2% of births were SB. 18% of births were preterm. 9% of births were SGA. There was no effect on the risk of a subsequent SB of an IPI of less than 6 months, 6-11months or 12-23 months. There was a higher risk of negative pregnancy outcomes for IPIs of 24-59 months. This was also true for preterm and SGA birth.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that pregnancy within 12 months of SB was not associated with negative outcomes.
The fine print
It can be difficult to get information on early pregnancy loss. The rate of miscarriage may not be accurate in this study.
Published By :
Lancet (London, England)
Date :
Feb 28, 2019
