Feto-Maternal Outcomes of Breastfeeding during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is beneficial to both mother and infant. However, overlap of lactation with pregnancy and short recuperative intervals may impact mothers nutritionally. We aimed to investigate the possible effects of pregnancy during breastfeeding.

Methods: In October 2018, we searched systematically in nine electronic databases to investigate any association of breastfeeding during pregnancy with fetal and/or maternal outcomes. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD41017056490). A meta-analysis was done to detect maternal and fetal outcomes and complications during pregnancy. Quality assessment was performed using the Australian Cancer Council bias tool for included studies.

Results: With 1992 studies initially identified, eight were eligible for qualitative analysis and 12 for quantitative analysis. Our results showed no significant difference in different abortion subtypes between lactating and non-lactating women. In delivery, no difference was found between the two groups regarding the time of delivery in full-term healthy, preterm delivery, and preterm labor. No significant difference was detected in rates of antepartum, postpartum hemorrhage, and prolonged labor between the two groups. Women with short reproductive intervals may have higher supplemental intake and a greater reduction in fat stores. The present studies showed that breastfeeding during pregnancy does not lead to adverse outcomes in the mother and her fetus in normal low-risk pregnancies, although it may lead to a nutritional burden on the mother.

Conclusion: The present studies showed that breastfeeding during pregnancy did not lead to adverse outcomes in the mother and her fetus.