title: The association between third trimester multivitamin/mineral supplements and gestational length in uncomplicated pregnancies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Widespread use of maternal micronutrient supplements have been correlated to gestational length and outcome in women predisposed to pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. However, research is yet to be conducted examining the influence of micronutrient supplements on outcomes at term in uncomplicated pregnancies.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyse the relationship between third trimester micronutrient supplementation and gestation length at birth, demographics and maternal birthing outcomes in well women at term in a South East Queensland representative population.
  
  
  METHODS
  This research retrospectively analysed existing data pertaining to 427 uncomplicated, pregnancies birthing at the Gold Coast and Logan Hospitals using information gathered through the Environments for Healthy Living Study and Queensland perinatal data collection. Data were analysed using SPSS v20 by Chi square, ANOVA and regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women in the third trimester taking individual zinc, folic acid or iron supplements in combination with a multivitamin were twice as likely to birth beyond 41 completed weeks (AOR 2.054, 95% CI 1.310-7.383, p=0.038) then those who did not take any supplement when controlled for established confounders. Non supplement users were found to experience a lower rate of post dates labour and requirements for induction (AOR 0.483, 95% CI 0.278-0.840, p=0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Length of gestation demonstrates significant associations with micronutrient supplementation practices. Well women consuming third trimester individual micronutrient supplements in addition to multivitamins experienced a longer gestation at term compared to women taking no micronutrients, increasing their risk for postdates induction of labour.
authors: School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia; Department of Women's and Newborn Health, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, QLD, Australia.
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: McAlpine
authors: School of Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Scott
authors: School of Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia.
authors: P A
authors: PA
authors: Scuffham
authors: School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia.
authors: A V
authors: AV
authors: Perkins
authors: School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia. Electronic address: j.vanderlelie@griffith.edu.au.
authors: J J
authors: JJ
authors: Vanderlelie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D047928:Premature Birth; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011793:Queensland; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D018977:Micronutrients; D005492:Folic Acid
keywords: Micronutrients; Multivitamins; Postdates; Pregnancy; Third trimester