Reproductive problems and neonatal loss in women with myotonic dystrophy

SummaryA study of 102 pregnancies in 35 women with myotonic dystrophy has shown increased incidences of operative delivery, hydramnios, placenta praevia and placental retention as well as neonatal mortality. Four of 12 women who had major obstetric or gynaecological surgery developed severe respiratory complications. Fourteen per cent of infants were delivered within 2 hours of onset of labour and 6 per cent of women had a postpartum haemorrhage. The complication rate may not be increased in minimally affected women who largely present with eye complications in late middle age.