Is joint hypermobility related to preterm birth?

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether women giving preterm birth have joint hypermobility.

Methods: The study included 44 women giving preterm birth (study group) and 48 women with the history of term birth (control group). After demographic data were recorded, the presence of joint hypermobility based on the Beighton diagnostic criteria and subgroup scores were noted down. Total Beighton scores were compared between the study and control groups.

Results: The total Beighton scores were significantly higher in the study group (p < .001). The study group had the highest hypermobility score for elbow hyperextension and the lowest hypermobility score for thumb hyperextension.

Conclusions: It should be kept in mind that joint hypermobility detected during follow-up of pregnancy can be related to the risk of preterm birth. Informing pregnant women with joint hypermobility about the possibility of preterm birth could be helpful.

Keywords: Beighton index; joint hypermobility; preterm birth.