Association of previous stillbirth with subsequent perinatal outcomes

A recent study that examined the relationship between stillbirth and various perinatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancy by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis found:

• Inclusion of nineteen cohort studies with 4,855,153 participants. 
• Twenty-eight thousand three hundred twenty-two individuals had previous stillbirths and met the eligibility criteria. 
• Compared with women with previous live births, women with previous stillbirths showed a higher risk of recurrent stillbirth, preterm birth, neonatal death, small for gestational age/intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, placental abruption, instrumental delivery, labor induction, cesarean delivery, elective cesarean delivery, and emergency cesarean delivery in subsequent pregnancies.
• Compared with women with previous live births, women with previous stillbirths had a lower rate of spontaneous labor. 
• No association between previous stillbirth and preeclampsia in subsequent pregnancies.

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with previous stillbirths and can be used to inform counseling for couples who are considering pregnancy after a previous stillbirth.

Deng X, et al. Association of previous stillbirth with subsequent perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2024;231(2): 211 – 222