Mediating role of preterm birth in the relationship between maternal disease and infant development

Preterm birth may act as a mediator between maternal diseases and infant growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The results support the feasibility and value of using mediation analysis in maternal-infant research. Findings highlight the importance of early prenatal screening, prevention, and management of preterm birth in pregnancies complicated by maternal disease. Future research is warranted to employ longitudinal neurodevelopmental monitoring in affected infants.