(488) Short Interpregnancy Interval after Fetal Growth Restriction: Impact on Subsequent Pregnancy Outcomes

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Counseling regarding optimal interpregnancy interval (IPI) after FGR is challenging due to limited data. This study evaluates whether a short IPI (≤ 18 months) increases maternal or neonatal risks in subsequent pregnancies.


Study Design:

This study is a retrospective cohort study of women delivering at a tertiary medical center between 2008 and 2024. The cohort included women with a prior FGR delivery (birthweight < 10th percentile) and a subsequent live birth. Women were allocated by IPI into two groups: short IPI (≤ 18 months) and long IPI ( > 18 months). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups. Primary outcomes were recurrent FGR and hypertensive disorders; secondary outcomes included a composite of maternal and neonatal complications.


Results:
A total of 984 women were included; 413 (42%) had a short IPI and 571 (58%) had a long IPI. Rates of recurrent FGR were similar in both groups (26.2%, p=0.99). No significant differences were observed in hypertensive disorders or other maternal complications. Neonatal outcomes, including birthweight and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, were comparable between groups (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that a short IPI following a FGR pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. These results offer reassurance for women considering earlier conception; larger studies are needed to validate these findings.