Preterm birth risk in women with skeletal dysplasias and short stature

PURPOSE: The primary objective was to estimate the risk of preterm delivery in a population of women with a skeletal dysplasia and short stature. The secondary outcome was to identify factors that increase the risk of preterm delivery. METHODS: A cross sectional survey was performed asking detailed pregnancy and reproductive health questions, aimed at a convenience sample of women who were little people, administered through Little People of America, Little People UK, Little People Canada, and the World Dwarf Games. Comparisons were made on gestational age at delivery between pregnancies with and without the outcomes. RESULTS: The survey had a response rate of 74% (117/158). There was a total of 55 eligible subjects who had 72 live births. Delivery prior to 37 weeks occurred in 19/72 live births, which equates to a preterm birth rate of 26.4% . Besides short stature, no single factor was identified that could solely explain the elevated preterm birth risk in the study population. CONCLUSION: The risk of preterm delivery in women with skeletal dysplasias and short stature is elevated compared to the general population. This information will assist healthcare providers in pregnancy management and counseling.