Preterm birth and intra-uterine growth retardation among children of women with schizophrenia

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Abstract
Background: There is conflicting evidence about the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with schizophrenia.Aims: To investigate the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and intra-uterine growth retardation among women with schizophrenia.Method: A total of 2212 births to 1537 women with schizophrenia in Denmark were compared with a random sample of all deliveries in Denmark in 1973–1993 (122 931 births to 72 742 women)Results: The children of women with schizophrenia were at increased risk of preterm delivery (relative risk=1.46, 95% CI=1.19–1.79), low birth weight (relative risk=1.57, 95% 0=1.36–1.82) and small for gestational age (relative risk=1.34, 95% CI=1.17–1.53)Conclusions: Women with schizophrenia are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. This may be associated with an increased mortality and general morbidity and risk of schizophrenia in their children.