The association between third trimester multivitamin/mineral supplements and gestational length in uncomplicated pregnancies

J. M. McAlpine; R. Scott; P. A. Scuffham; A. V. Perkins; J. J. Vanderlelie

doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2015.07.185

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The association between third trimester multivitamin/mineral supplements and gestational length in uncomplicated pregnancies

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The association between third trimester multivitamin/mineral supplements and gestational length in uncomplicated pregnancies

J. M. McAlpine, R. Scott, P. A. Scuffham, A. V. Perkins and J. J. Vanderlelie

Women and Birth, Vol.29(1), pp.41-46

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2015.07.185

PMID: 26319504

Abstract

pregnancy

postdates

third trimester

multivitamins

micronutrients

Background: Widespread use of maternal micronutrient supplements have been correlated to gestational length and outcome in women predisposed to pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. However, research is yet to be conducted examining the influence of micronutrient supplements on outcomes at term in uncomplicated pregnancies. Aim: To analyse the relationship between third trimester micronutrient supplementation and gestation length at birth, demographics and maternal birthing outcomes in well women at term in a South East Queensland representative population. Methods: This research retrospectively analysed existing data pertaining to 427 uncomplicated, pregnancies birthing at the Gold Coast and Logan Hospitals using information gathered through the Environments for Healthy Living Study and Queensland perinatal data collection. Data were analysed using SPSS v20 by Chi square, ANOVA and regression analysis. Findings: Women in the third trimester taking individual zinc, folic acid or iron supplements in combination with a multivitamin were twice as likely to birth beyond 41 completed weeks (AOR 2.054, 95% CI 1.310-7.383, p = 0.038) then those who did not take any supplement when controlled for established confounders. Non supplement users were found to experience a lower rate of post dates labour and requirements for induction (AOR 0.483, 95% CI 0.278-0.840, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Length of gestation demonstrates significant associations with micronutrient supplementation practices. Well women consuming third trimester individual micronutrient supplements in addition to multivitamins experienced a longer gestation at term compared to women taking no micronutrients, increasing their risk for postdates induction of labour.

Details

Title: The association between third trimester multivitamin/mineral supplements and gestational length in uncomplicated pregnancies
Authors: J. M. McAlpine (Author) - Griffith University
R. Scott (Author) - Griffith Univ, Menzies Hlth Inst Queensland, Sch Med, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Qld 4215, Australia
P. A. Scuffham (Author) - Griffith University
A. V. Perkins (Author) - Griffith University
J. J. Vanderlelie (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Women and Birth, Vol.29(1), pp.41-46
Publisher: Elsevier BV
DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2015.07.185
ISSN: 1878-1799
PMID: 26319504
Organisation Unit: School of Health; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99685195202621
Output Type: Journal article