PATERNITY PATTERNS AND RISK OF PREECLAMPSIA IN THE LAST PREGNANCY IN MULTIPARAE

Few authors have published investigations regarding a possible associa tion between preeclampsia and changing paternity. This study employs a n epidemiological approach to explore the relationship between severe preeclampsia and changes in paternity patterns among multigravidae in a Caribbean community (Guadeloupe, French West Indies). Multiparae who were diagnosed with preeclampsia or eclampsia with fetal complication s (transfer of their infants in the Neonatal Department) and controls were examined (134 mothers' interviews). Information concerning patern ity for the index and previous pregnancies was collected from three gr oups: women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH); women with chro nic hypertension (CH); and a control group consisting of women without hypertension during pregnancy. In 21/34 (61.7%) of PIH mothers, the f ather of the current pregnancy was different than that of the former, compared to 4/40 (10%) among CH and 10/60 (16.6%) in the controls (P < 0.0001). Moreover, considering three and four consecutive pregnancies , there was a significant trend (P < 0.005 and P < 0.02) for an increa se in PIH with having a different father in each successive pregnancy. Patterns of changing paternity were significantly correlated with pre gnancy-induced hypertension in multiparae but not with chronic hyperte nsion and controls.