Women Who Were Preemies Have Greater Risk of Pregnancy Complications

A new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that 9.9 percent of women who were born before 32 weeks of pregnancy had at least one pregnancy complication themselves later in life, like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.

According to the study’s researchers, the reason for the link isn't entirely clear; however, it could be that women born preterm have undiagnosed but related risk factors for complications before they become pregnant, such as an insulin resistance or high blood pressure, reports MSNBC.com.

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Researchers controlled for factors such as the mother's year of birth, chronic high blood pressure, kidney disease and type 1 or 2 diabetes, but the results still concluded that the earlier a woman had been born, the greater her chances were of having complications. The study also showed that women who were born small for their gestational age, regardless of having been born preterm or full-term, were also more likely to have pregnancy complications.

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Researchers believe that a woman’s preterm birth history should now be taken into account throughout prenatal care. 

Did your doctor ask if you were born premature when you were pregnant? Leave a comment.