Recurrence risk for preterm delivery.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate recurrence risk of preterm delivery in third births.


METHODS
We conducted a population-based cohort study of Missouri mothers who delivered 3 consecutive singleton live births during 1989-1997. The recurrence risk was computed for 4 cohorts based on prior preterm delivery status and adjusted using Mantel-Haenszel stratified analysis.


RESULTS
The study population included 19,025 third births. The recurrence risk ranged from 42% (for women with 2 prior preterm deliveries), through 21% (term/preterm) and 13% (preterm/term), to 5% (term/term). The recurrence risk was highest (57%) for women with 2 prior very preterm deliveries (21-31 weeks) and lowest (33%) for those with 2 prior moderate preterm deliveries (32-36 weeks). The recurrence risk was less pronounced for women with 1 prior very or moderate preterm delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
These data show a strong association between prior preterm delivery and recurrence risk, which is affected by the frequency, order, and severity of prior preterm births.
McManemy
Julie
J
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
Cooke
Erinn
E
Amon
Erol
E
Leet
Terry
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008923:Missouri; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012008:Recurrence; D012306:Risk; D012307:Risk Factors