Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
6144022 American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2016 10 Pages PDF
Abstract
Between 2007 and 2013 in the United States, the adoption of the 39-week rule caused a progressive reduction in the proportion of term births occurring before the 39th week of gestation. During the same interval the United States experienced a significant increase in its rate of term stillbirth. This study raises the possibility that the 39-week rule may be causing unintended harm. Additional studies of the actual impact of the adoption of the 39-week rule on major childbirth outcomes are urgently needed. Pressures to enforce the 39-week rule should be reconsidered pending the findings of such studies.
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Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Medicine and Dentistry (General)
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