Background: The study evaluated effects of interpregnancy interval (IPI) on neonatal outcomes after mifepristone-induced abortion in the first pregnancy.
Study design: This observational cohort study, conducted from 1998 to 2001 at antenatal clinics in Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, China, included 4682 nulliparous women with one mifepristone-induced abortion in their first pregnancy, who were enrolled and followed up until delivery. We compared neonatal outcomes among women with different IPIs between their mifepristone-induced abortion and subsequent pregnancy.
Results: When compared to IPI of 18-24 months, there was an increased risk of the neonate being small for gestational age (SGA) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-3.88] when IPI was <6 months; this risk was greater among women without a curettage history after abortion (aOR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.13-5.50). The associations between IPI and preterm delivery (<37 weeks), low birth weight (<2500 g), mean birth weight and ponderal index were not statistically significant.
Conclusions: The results indicate that an IPI <6 months after one mifepristone-induced abortion in first pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of SGA in the subsequent pregnancy.
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