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The impact of the interaction between increasing gestational age and obstetrical risk on birth outcomes: evidence of a varying optimal time of delivery

Journal of Perinatology volume 26, pages 392–402 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To estimate the gestational age ranges that result in optimal birth outcomes for each of four risk-defined groups.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study of singleton late third-trimester deliveries at a large urban teaching hospital between July 1995 and September 2003. Low-risk, advanced maternal age, hypertensive and diabetic patients were identified and grouped. Rates, by day of gestation at delivery, of cesarean delivery, major maternal perineal trauma, low 5-min APGAR score and NICU admission were determined for each study group.

Results:

Each study group had meaningful changes in rates of obstetric outcomes as a function of gestational age at delivery and these patterns differed from group to group. A unique optimal time of delivery (OTD) was estimated for each group. The low-risk group OTD was calculated to be 37 weeks 1 day to 41 weeks 0 day; the advanced maternal age group OTD was 38 weeks 5 days to 39 weeks 6 days; the hypertension group OTD was 39 weeks 2 days to 40 weeks 1 day; and the diabetes mellitus group OTD was 40 weeks 3 days to 41 weeks 1 day.

Conclusions:

The OTD varied based on obstetrical risk. Strategies to increase the proportion of deliveries that occur within the OTD for specific risk-defined groups could theoretically improve birth outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    J M Nicholson & L C Kellar

  2. Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    J M Nicholson & L C Kellar

  3. Business School, Penn State University – Delaware County, Media, PA, USA

    G M Kellar

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  1. J M Nicholson
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  2. L C Kellar
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Correspondence to J M Nicholson.

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Nicholson, J., Kellar, L. & Kellar, G. The impact of the interaction between increasing gestational age and obstetrical risk on birth outcomes: evidence of a varying optimal time of delivery. J Perinatol 26, 392–402 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211528

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