title: Relation between time to pregnancy and pregnancy outcome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Studies have shown significant correlation between time to pregnancy (TTP) and pregnancy outcomes. But understanding of these mechanisms may not be facilitated. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between TTP and pregnancy outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was a case cohort study that was done in Shahid Beheshti Educational Hospital during 2006-2007. Women aged 18-35 years, who had only one pregnancy without using any contraception method before pregnancy and delivered their first child, were enrolled in this study. Thus, 801 women were selected and followed up for pregnancy outcome and TTP until the end of pregnancy. All the participants filled in a special questionnaire. Finally the collected data were entered into computer and analyzed by SPSS ver. 20 software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frequency distribution of TTP-based pregnancy outcome showed that TTP >48 weeks was higher in normal delivery than in abnormal delivery (5.6% vs. 19.4%). According to Chi-square test, the frequency distribution of pregnancy outcome was related to TTP (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the results of this study, there is a significant relationship between TTP and pregnancy outcome, and TTP may lead to unwanted complications such as ectopic pregnancy, preterm labor, and abortion. Thus, all women with a long time of contraception, especially in the rural areas, mast be controlled.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Hatave Ghasemi
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Tehrani
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra Sadat
authors.initials: ZS
authors.lastname: Allameh
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Ali Koushki
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mehrabi
keywords: Contraception; pregnancy outcome; time to pregnancy