Am J Perinatol 1995; 12(6): 462-466
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994583
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1995 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Factors Adversely Affecting Pregnancy Outcome in the Military

Everett F. Magann, Marcia I. Winchester, Debra P. Carter, James N. Martin Jr. , J. David Bass, John C. Morrison
  • Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine (Biostatistics), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, and Naval Hospital, Pensacola, Florida
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

This prospective study was undertaken to identify the significant risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcome in active-duty women. The deliveries of 300 consecutive pregnancies of active-duty women were assessed for maternal-fetal outcome. The risk factors evaluated were: marital status, parity, race, smoking and alcohol consumption while pregnant, maternal weight gain during pregnancy, maternal height, and educational level. Two-thirds of these women were junior enlisted personnel (rank E-4 or below) and worked under demanding job conditions over which they had little control. Increased age as a risk factor was associated with a significant increase in pregnancy-associated complications of cesarean birth, operative vaginal delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm labor, maternal transport for fetal indications, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine fetal death, postpartum hemorrhage, placenta previa, and 5-minute Apgar scores <7 (p = 0.039). In gravidas more than 65 inches in height with a weight gain more than 42 pounds, there was a significant increase in the complications of pregnancy (p = 0.022). Interactions of these risk factors yielded a significant age (p = 0.025), maternal height (p = 0.007), and height times weight gain interaction (p = 0.006) association with pregnancy complications. The risk factors of advancing maternal age and tall stature with a maternal weight gain of more than 42 pounds are associated with increased pregnancy complications of active-duty women.