[Effect of induced abortion on prematurity. Analysis of the period from 1979 to 1984].

Since induced abortion is legalized in Austria the number of patients with induced abortion in their anamnesis is increasing. This factor intensified the discussion about the consequences for following pregnancies, especially the number of preterm deliveries. We investigated the influence of induced abortion on prematurity using the records of primiparae who delivered in our hospital between 1979 and 1984. Previously performed induced abortion did not affect the number of preterm-deliveries, if patients underwent early prenatal care. Patients who had their first check-up after the 18th week of gestation showed a significant increase of preterm delivery.