Abstract
Background
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity
and mortality. Studies suggest that the use of folic acid may lower the risk of hypertensive
disorders in pregnant women.
Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of timing and duration of folic acid-containing
supplement use on the risk for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Methods
Exposures and outcomes data were obtained through interviews and review of participant’s
medical records from the MotherToBaby cohort studies across the United States and
Canada. Demographics, medical history, lifestyle factors, substance use, and fetal
sex were assessed as potential confounders. Unadjusted and adjusted risks for gestational
hypertension and preeclampsia were examined using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
Findings
3247 women were included in the study. Compared to non-supplement use, early and late
supplement use were not significantly associated with the development of gestational
hypertension or preeclampsia. The odds of developing gestational hypertension and
preeclampsia were significantly reduced as the duration of folic acid-containing supplement
use increased.
Conclusion
Findings from this study suggest that the use of folic acid-containing supplements
may mitigate the risk for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 01, 2017
Accepted:
August 18,
2017
Received in revised form:
August 10,
2017
Received:
April 18,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
