Risk factors and perinatal consequences of short interpregnancy interval: A retrospective case-control study

Objectives. - To study the maternal risk factors and perinatal complications of a short interpregnancy interval. Patients and methods. - Retrospective case-control study between 2007 and 2009, comparing a group with a short interpregnancy interval (less than 9 months, n=83), and a control group (interval between two pregnancies between 18 and 24 months, n=166). Results. - The main risk factor of short interpregnancy interval is to be unemployed (OR=3.2, P<0.001). There is a significant link between lack of prescription contraceptives in postpartum and a short interval between pregnancies (OR=3.4, P<0.001). We also found a higher rate of anemic women during pregnancy (OR=4.9, P=0.001) and postpartum (OR=2.1, P=0.02) in case of short interpregnancy interval. Short interpregnancy interval increases risk of small for gestational age (OR=2.4, P=0.05) and thermoregulation disorders (OR=3.1, P=0.02). Conclusion. - A low socioeconomic level is a risk factor of short interpregnancy interval. Short interpregnancy interval is at risk of maternal iron deficiency and neonatal complications like low birth weight and hypothermia. (C) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.