Preterm labor in an Iranian population and gender variations in affected pregnancies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics related with preterm labor in an Iranian population and possible effect gender in this regard. In this study 140 pregnant women with preterm labor were enrolled. Both maternity and neonatal variables were measured. Data were entered into the computer and analyzed using stata 11 statistical software package. Mean gestational age was 33.9(آ±1.7) weeks and the median gestational age was 34 weeks. Gestational age had a weak positive correlation with age. The male gender proportion was higher than the worldwide sex ratio at birth. Male neonates had statistically significant difference in some health related characteristics after controlling for mother's age, gestational age, birth weight and gravid. The results of this study indicate better health related indices for girls even among those with a preterm labor and independent of some maternity characteristics.