The relationship between fetal gender and outcome of pregnancy in the term pregnant women

Identification of fetus health risk factors can be helpful in the diagnosis, immediate treatment, and prevention of irreversible damages on the fetus. Fetal sex is considered as a risk factor in fetal and neonatal conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fetal gender and adverse fetal outcomes in the term pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was performed in Besat Hospital in Sanandaj, in 2011 and included 2389 pregnant women. Gestational diabetes and presence of any underlying chronic disease such as hypertension, asthma, diabetes, and cardiac diseases were considered as our exclusion criteria. Data about stages and conditions of delivery and demographic variables were recorded in a questionnaire for every subject. Data about the neonates including Apgar score, fetal distress, and macrosomia were collected and recorded. Using SPSS 16 software, data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics including chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and t-test. There were no statistically significant differences between male and female neonates in relation to maternal age, gestational age, duration of the first and second stages of labor, and average time of rupture of membrane (p>0.05). However, male neonates had higher birth weights (p=0.0001). In addition, there were no statistically significant relationship between boys and girls in regard to preeclampsia, mode of delivery, Apgar score, meconium, detachment of placenta, IUGR, umbilical cord prolapse, and stillbirths (p>0.05). However, prevalence of fetal distress syndrome was higher in boys (OR=1.83). Apart from respiratory distress syndrome, fetal sex is not associated with any other adverse fetal outcome. Even though, frequencies of cesarean delivery and Apgar scores of less than 7 were more in the boys compared to the girls.