Sex of the first-born and obstetric complications in the subsequent birth. A study of 2.3 million second births from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown associations between a first-born boy and increased risks of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, decreased birthweight, and preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies, but with limited precision.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined associations between sex of the first-born and obstetric complications in second births. We calculated the relative risks (RR)s of preeclampsia/eclampsia, placental abruption, stillbirth, and preterm birth in approximately 2.3 million second births comparing women with a preceding first-born boy to those with a first-born girl using the Medical Birth Registries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden 1980-2008.

RESULTS: In second births following a first-born boy rather than a girl, the RR was 4% higher for preeclampsia/eclampsia (RR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06), 9% higher for placental abruption (RR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.13), 9% higher for stillbirth (RR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.14), and 8% higher for preterm birth (RR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.07-1.09). The population attributable risks ranged from 2% to 4.5%.

CONCLUSIONS: Male sex of the first-born is associated with small increases in risks of obstetric complications in the second birth. Exploration of the underlying mechanisms is needed to increase our knowledge and treatment options for these serious obstetric complications.