Recurrence of Preterm Delivery in Women with a Family History of Preterm Delivery

Objective This study aims to evaluate the role of a family history of preterm delivery on the risk of preterm delivery in the next generation. Study Design A retrospective population-based study was conducted. Perinatal information was gathered from 2,303 familial triads, composed of mothers (F₁), daughters (F₂), and children (F₃). All births occurred in the same regional medical center between the years 1991 and 2013. Statistical analysis using logistic regression was performed to define the risk of F₂ delivering a preterm baby (F₃) if she was born preterm herself, and then to define the risk of F₂ delivering preterm if her mother (F₁) gave birth preterm during any of her birthing events. Results The risk for preterm delivery of the F₂ parturient was 34% greater if their mother (F₁) at any of her births had delivered preterm, controlling for parity, maternal age at delivery, and preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio: 1.34, 95% confidence interval: -1.01 to 1.77; p = 0.042). Conclusion The family history of preterm delivery is an independent risk factor for preterm delivery. The family history includes the mother as well as one of the mother's sisters (F₂ generation) being born preterm.