Objective: We aimed to demonstrate the effect of prolonged hospitalization on fetal growth in cases of threatened preterm labor (TPL).
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we included women who received prenatal care for TPL but delivered their child after 36 weeks of gestation. These were compared with a control group of healthy pregnant women and fetuses delivered at term. Fetal growth was compared using biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference (AC), femur length, and estimated fetal weight (EFW) assessed using ultrasonography at 18, 26, 30, and 36 weeks of gestation. Neonatal parameters at birth were also compared.
Results: In total, we enrolled 228 control women and 114 women with TPL who were treated with hospitalization,including bed rest. The AC at 30 and 36 weeks of gestation and EFW at 36 weeks of gestation were smaller in women treated with bed rest than for normal pregnant women. The mean duration of pregnancy was shorter in the hospitalization group than in the control group. Neonatal weight, length, head circumference, and chest circumference at birth were smaller after prolonged hospitalization for TPL than after normal pregnancy.
Conclusion: Prolonged hospitalization for threatened preterm labor is associated with impaired fetal growth, particularly AC. J.Med.Invest.66:153-156, February, 2019.
Keywords: bed rest; fetal growth; prolonged hospitalization; threatened preterm labor.