Previous miscarriage and stillbirth as risk factors for other unfavourable outcomes in the next pregnancy

ABSTRACT Objective To look for associations between previous fetal loss and fetal malformation or low birthweight in a subsequent pregnancy. Design A cas‐ontrol study with place of birth, time and sex matched controls. Setting 72 South American maternity hospitals. Subjects 18 534 malformed, 1150 no‐alformed babies of low birthweight and 16 394 controls. All babies were from mothers with at least one previous pregnancy. Main outcome measures Frequency of stillbirths and miscarriages in the previous pregnancy and outcome of the index pregnancy. Results Multiple malformation, Down's syndrome, anencephaly, spina bifida, pes equinovarus, congenital dislocation of the hip and low birthweight are associated with previous fetal loss. Conclusion A miscarriage or a stillbirth in a previous pregnancy should be taken into account when the risk of malformations or low birthweight in a subsequent pregnancy is assessed.