Birth dimensions of offspring, premature birth, and the mortality of mothers

doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(00)03406-1

The Lancet

Volume 356, Issue 9247, 16 December 2000, Pages 2066-2067

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(00)03406-1 Get rights and content

Summary

A person's birthweight is inversely related to their cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk, and preliminary data suggest that the birthweights of offspring are also inversely related to parental CVD mortality risk. In a cohort of pregnant Finnish women, we assessed the relation between birth dimensions of the offspring and maternal characteristics, and subsequent mortality. Maternal CVD mortality was inversely related to the birthweight of offspring and women having premature deliveries were also at increased CVD risk. Breast-cancer mortality was positively associated with ponderal index of offspring.

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There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

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Citation Excerpt :
We will review the epidemiology, pathophysiology and interventions that have been suggested to improve outcomes for these women. Prospective observational studies show that both low birth weight and preterm birth increase maternal mortality and CVD risk [3–5]. A group of 700,000 women in Australia with preterm deliveries had nearly double the incidence of CVD compared to those with normal deliveries (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.61–1.96) [6].
Pregnancy related complications indicate a propensity for atherosclerotic disease. Epidemiologic data demonstrate early onset cardiovascular disease in women with a history of pregnancy loss, preterm pregnancy or pregnancy complicated by intrauterine growth restriction. Early onset diabetes, increased rates of MI and increased rates of stroke are more prevalent after gestational diabetes. In addition, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy mark significant pathophysiologic changes, including vascular dysfunction and immunologic changes, which induce atherogenesis and result in a substantial increase in rates of stroke, ischemic heart disease and cardiac mortality. Metabolic, endothelial and inflammatory changes are responsible for either the early onset or early recognition of cardiovascular disease propensity in patients who experience a complicated pregnancy. Therefore, the American Heart Association guidelines recognize pregnancy related complications as an independent risk factor for heart disease. This review informs physicians of epidemiologic data and, guideline recommendations and is meant to guide physicians in early interventions including provider education, routine post-partum multidisciplinary (primary care, obstetrics, cardiology) evaluation, risk factor monitoring and control after a complicated pregnancy.
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Research LettersBirth dimensions of offspring, premature birth, and the mortality of mothers

Summary

Adv Cancer Res

Mothers, babies and health in later life

Research Letters
Birth dimensions of offspring, premature birth, and the mortality of mothers