Multiple Maternal Chronic Conditions and Risk of Severe Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality

What is the association of the number, complexity, type, and severity of preexisting maternal chronic conditions with severe neonatal morbidity or mortality?In this cohort study of 1 018 968 births, there was a dose-response association between the number of maternal chronic conditions before pregnancy and the risk of severe neonatal morbidity or mortality, preterm birth, and congenital anomalies.These findings suggest the importance of preconception counseling for mothers with multiple chronic conditions to optimize chronic disease management, monitoring in pregnancy for earlier identification of complications, and enhanced newborn supports.

Corresponding Author: Hilary K. Brown, PhD, Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A5, Canada (hk.brown@utoronto.ca).

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