Maternal lifestyle characteristics have effect on mode of delivery and preterm birth: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective

Birth outcomes are usually determined by lifestyle characteristics during pregnancy. We investigated the association of maternal lifestyle characteristics with birth outcomes (mode of delivery and preterm birth) among post-delivery women in Zanzibar.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional analytical study which involved quantitative data which were collected prospectively, and it included 301 post-delivery women who were conveniently selected from postnatal wards of the four selected hospitals in Zanzibar between May and July 2019. Multivariable analysis was applied in determining association of maternal lifestyle characteristics and birth outcomes.

Results

Both passive (AOR = 3.34, 95 % CI = 1.86–6.0, p < 0.001) and active smoking (AOR = 2.35, 95 % CI = 0.18–0.67, p = 0.002) had increased odds of preterm birth among post-delivery women. However, being minimally active (being moderately physically active) (AOR = 0.21, 95 % CI = 2.69–9.34, p < 0.001) and insufficient dietary intake during pregnancy (AOR = 0.53, 95 % CI = 1.93–6.60, p < 0.001) both had reduced odds of delivering by Caesarean section.

Conclusion

Both passive and active smoking in this study had a positive association with preterm birth. Being minimally active and having insufficient dietary intake during pregnancy was protective against Caesarean section delivery. Lifestyle modification during pregnancy should be advocated in mitigation of adverse birth outcomes.