Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6144022 | American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | 2016 | 10 Pages |
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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Authors
James M. MD, MSCE, Lisa C. MD, MSCE, Shahla MD, Ayesha MD, Jason MD, Nadine MD, George F. MD, Julianne R. MD, Serdar H. MD, Jerome L. MD,