Miscarriages, abortions increase risk of premature babies

Washington, Dec 22 (UNI) Mothers who had miscarriages or abortions in the past are three times more likely to give birth to underweight or premature babies, a study suggests.

Low birthweight and premature birth are the two major contributors to infant and child mortality rate and the research found that these are highest among mothers who were black, too young or too old, poorly educated and unmarried.

However, there is a positive correlation between miscarriage and abortion and a premature or underweight birth. The risk increases if a woman had more miscarriages or abortions in the past.

The researchers adjusted the results of the study for other influential factors like smoking, high blood pressure and heavy drinking, the Science Daily reported.

The authors assessed more than 45,500 mother and child pairs and used data from the United States Collaborative Perinatal Project.

UNI