Association between postterm birth and adverse growth outcomes in children aged 3-6 years: A national retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gestational age significantly influences children's growth and development. Yet, the effect of postterm birth (gestation beyond 42 weeks) on children's growth outcomes remains underexplored.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the impact of postterm birth on adverse growth outcomes in children using a nationally representative sample from China.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in China from 1 April 2018, to 31 December 2019. The final analysis included 141,002 children aged 3-6 years from 551 cities. Postterm birth was defined as children with postterm birth at a gestational age of 42 weeks or more. Obesity, overweight and thinness were assessed using body mass index-for-age (BMI-for-age) z-scores, based on the World Health Organization

SUBMITTER: Suhaimi MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11781517 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature