Researchers at Northwestern University in Illinois (USA) examined records of more than 1.4 million Florida children born between 1994 and 2002 after 37 to 41 weeks of pregnancy . They studied their state of health as well as their cognitive abilities and compared the results between those born after term (at 41 weeks gestation) and those full term (at 39 or 40 weeks gestation).
The results indicate that for each of the three cognitive tests performed in elementary school, the children who were born after term had higher scores. They had a 2.8% more chance of being classified as “gifted” and a 3.1% less chance of having poor cognitive scores.
In contrast, they were more likely to have health problems and a 2.1% increased risk of suffering from a physical disability.
This is the first study to compare the advantages and disadvantages of post-term childbirth. According to Professor David Foglio who led this study, it should allow expectant mothers and their doctors to make an informed decision whether to induce childbirth, when the term has passed.
This study was published in the Jama pediatrics.
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