Women born preemies have higher risk of complications when pregnant: study

TORONTO – A new study suggests women who were born preemies are at increased risk of complications during their own pregnancies.

Researchers say the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia almost doubles for mothers who were born before 32 weeks, compared to those born at full term.

The findings are based on a study of more than 7,400 women born prematurely and 16,700 women born at term between 1976 and 1995 in Quebec.

For the women born at less than 32 weeks, almost 20 per cent had at least one pregnancy complication, compared with about 12 per cent of those who were full-term babies.

Lead researcher Dr. Anne Monique Nuyt of Sainte-Justine University Hospital in Montreal says doctors need to take a pregnant woman’s preterm birth status into account when providing obstetrical care.

The study is published in Monday’s issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.