scholarly journals Does geography matter? comparing maternal stressors to birth outcomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Amy E. Reed
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Experience Of Stress ◽  
Infant Birth ◽  
Childbearing Women

Background: The US continues to see rising trends in the incidence of maternal morbidity and mortality, which contributes to poor infant birth outcomes of preterm birth and low birth weight. The purpose of this dissertation study was to examine the relationship between the experience of stress and birth outcomes of weight and gestational age based on whether the mother resided in a rural or urban location in the state of Missouri. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services PRAMS survey between 2007-2019. There were 15,938 respondents -- 11,475 urban and 4,463 rural. Stress measures included responses from 13 items on the PRAMS survey related to the experience of stress within the 12 months before delivery of their infant. A mean stress score for each participant was created, which was an average of the 13 stressors experienced. The 13 stressors were also grouped into four different domains: Community, Family/Relationshipd Health. Participant responses are tied to birth certificate data to obtain outcome variables related to infant birth weight (<2500 grams) and gestational age (<37 weeks) at time of delivery. Univariate and multivariate models were analyzed for the total sample and also for urban and rural participants with and without covariates. Results: Rural childbearing women were younger, less likely to have received prenatal care during the first trimester and more likely to have smoked cigarettes than urban childbearing women. Urban women were more likely to have education beyond high school, and more likely to use alcohol during pregnancy. Similar to other research, Black women were more likely to experience PTB or have a LBW infant than other race/ethnicities. The number of stressors reported by both urban and rural women is similar, with rural women reporting slightly more. The experience of stress is significant for both urban and rural women, even when controlling for covariates. Stress scores significantly predicted low birth weight and preterm birth for urban participants. The four different categories of grouped stress scores were not significant for either urban or rural participants and did not significantly predict low birth weight or preterm birth. Conclusion: Health care providers should screen women for stressors related to the social determinants of health in order to provide opportunities for support and intervention. Policies that ensure access to convenient, appropriate obstetric resources for pregnant women, regardless of location could improve outcomes. Research that seeks to understand differences in health between rural and urban populations should consider additional measures related to urban and rural classification of participants.

scholarly journals Dengue during pregnancy and live birth outcomes: a cohort of linked data from Brazil

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e023529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enny S Paixão ◽  
Oona M Campbell ◽  
Maria Gloria Teixeira ◽  
Maria CN Costa ◽  
Katie Harron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Small For Gestational Age ◽  
Severe Dengue ◽  
Maternal Risk ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectivesDengue is the most common viral mosquito-borne disease, and women of reproductive age who live in or travel to endemic areas are at risk. Little is known about the effects of dengue during pregnancy on birth outcomes. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of maternal dengue severity on live birth outcomes.Design and settingWe conducted a population-based cohort study using routinely collected Brazilian data from 2006 to 2012.ParticipatingWe linked birth registration records and dengue registration records to identify women with and without dengue during pregnancy. Using multinomial logistic regression and Firth method, we estimated risk and ORs for preterm birth (<37 weeks’ gestation), low birth weight (<2500 g) and small for gestational age (<10thcentile). We also investigated the effect of time between the onset of the disease and each outcome.ResultsWe included 16 738 000 live births. Dengue haemorrhagic fever was associated with preterm birth (OR=2.4; 95% CI 1.3 to 4.4) and low birth weight (OR=2.1; 95% CI 1.1 to 4.0), but there was no evidence of effect for small for gestational age (OR=2.1; 95% CI 0.4 to 12.2). The magnitude of the effects was higher in the acute disease period.ConclusionThis study showed an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes in women with severe dengue during pregnancy. Medical intervention to mitigate maternal risk during severe acute dengue episodes may improve outcomes for infants born to exposed mothers.

scholarly journals Fetal growth restriction in a cohort of migrants in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliane Ankert ◽  
Tanja Groten ◽  
Mathias W. Pletz ◽  
Sasmita Mishra ◽  
Gregor Seliger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Fetal Growth Restriction ◽  
Caesarian Section ◽  
Growth Restriction ◽  
Delivery Mode

Abstract Background Migrant women may have an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes. This study analyses the occurrence of low birth weight, preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction / fetal growth restriction (IUGR/FGR) in pregnant migrants. Method Cross-sectional study of 82 mother-child pairs of pregnant migrants attending medical care in Germany. Results The Median age was 27 years, 49% of patients were of oriental-asian ethnicity and median year of migration was 2015. At least one previous pregnancy was reported in 76% of patients, in 40% the delivery mode was caesarian section. Median gestational age was 39.7 weeks. Preterm birth occurred in 6.1% of pregnancies. Median gestational age for preterm birth was 32.3 weeks. Low birth weight (< 2500 g) occurred in 6.1%. Birth weights below the 10th percentile of birth weight for gestational age were observed in 8.5% of the total cohort. Conclusions Compared to German data no increased occurrence of low birth weight, preterm birth or IUGR/FGR was found. We note that the rate of caesarian section births was higher than in the general population for reasons yet to be identified. The authors propose stratification according to migration status for the national documentation of birth outcomes in Germany.

scholarly journals Occupational exposure to inorganic particles during pregnancy and birth outcomes: a nationwide cohort study in Sweden

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e023879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filip Norlén ◽  
Per Gustavsson ◽  
Pernilla Wiebert ◽  
Lars Rylander ◽  
Maria Albin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Small For Gestational Age ◽  
Welding Fumes ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Inorganic Particles ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate if occupational exposure to inorganic particles or welding fumes during pregnancy is associated with negative birth outcomes.DesignA prospective national cohort study.SettingAll single births from 1994 to 2012 in Sweden. Information on birth weight, preterm birth, small for gestational age, smoking habits, nationality, age, occupation, absence from work and education was obtained from nationwide registers. Exposure to inorganic particles (mg/m3) was assessed from a job exposure matrix.ParticipantsThis study included all single births by occupationally active mothers (995 843).Outcome measuresAssociations between occupational exposures and negative birth outcomes in the form of low birth weight, preterm birth and small for gestational age.ResultsMothers who had high exposure to inorganic particles and had less than 50 days (median) of absence from work during pregnancy showed an increased risk of preterm birth (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.30), low birth weight (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.48) as well as small for gestational age (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.39). The increased risks were driven by exposure to iron particles. No increased risks were found in association with exposure to stone and concrete particles. High exposure to welding fumes was associated with an increased risk of low birth weight (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.45) and preterm birth (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.42).ConclusionsThe results indicate that pregnant women should not be exposed to high levels of iron particles or welding fumes.

scholarly journals Intrauterine growth restriction in a cohort of migrants in Germany

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliane Ankert ◽  
Tanja Groten ◽  
Mathias W. Pletz ◽  
Sasmita Mishra ◽  
Gregor Seliger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Intrauterine Growth Restriction ◽  
Caesarian Section ◽  
Growth Restriction ◽  
Delivery Mode ◽  
Intrauterine Growth

Abstract Background: Migrant women may have an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes. This study analyses the occurrence of low birth weight, preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in pregnant migrants. Method: Cross-sectional study of 82 mother-child pairs of pregnant migrants attending medical care in Germany.Results: Median age was 27 years, 49% were of oriental-asian ethnicity and median year of migration was 2015. At least one previous pregnancy was reported in 76%. Delivery mode was caesarian section in 40%. Median gestational age was 39.7 weeks. Preterm birth occurred in 6.1%. Median gestational age for preterm birth was 32.3 weeks. Low birth weight (<2500 g) occurred in 6.1%. Birth weights below the 10th percentile of birth weight for gestational age were observed in 8.5% of the total cohort. Conclusions: Compared to German data no increased occurrence of low birth weight, preterm birth or IUGR was found. Of note, rate of caesarian section was higher than in the general population for reasons yet to be identified. The authors propose stratification according to migration status for the national documentation of birth outcomes in Germany.Trial registration: ClinicalTrails.gov, NCT03158298. Registered 18 May 2017 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03158298

scholarly journals Mass incarceration and public health: the association between black jail incarceration and adverse birth outcomes among black women in Louisiana

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Dyer ◽  
Rachel Hardeman ◽  
Dovile Vilda ◽  
Katherine Theall ◽  
Maeve Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Black Women ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Mass Incarceration ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
Adverse Birth Outcomes

Abstract Background A growing body of evidence is beginning to highlight how mass incarceration shapes inequalities in population health. Non-Hispanic blacks are disproportionately affected by incarceration and criminal law enforcement, an enduring legacy of a racially-biased criminal justice system with broad health implications for black families and communities. Louisiana has consistently maintained one of the highest rates of black incarceration in the nation. Concurrently, large racial disparities in population health persist. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of all births among non-Hispanic black women in Louisiana in 2014 to identify associations between parish-level (county equivalent) prevalence of jail incarceration within the black population and adverse birth outcomes (N = 23,954). We fit a log-Poisson model with generalized estimating equations to approximate the relative risk of preterm birth and low birth weight associated with an interquartile range increase in incarceration, controlling for confounders. In sensitivity analyses, we additionally adjusted for the parish-level index crime prevalence and analyzed regression models wherein white incarceration was used to predict the risk of adverse birth outcomes in order to quantify the degree to which mass incarceration may harm health above and beyond living in a high crime area. Results There was a significant 3% higher risk of preterm birth among black women associated with an interquartile range increase in the parish-level incarceration prevalence of black individuals, independent of other factors. Adjusting for the prevalence of index crimes did not substantively change the results of the models. Conclusion Due to the positive significant associations between the prevalence of black individuals incarcerated in Louisiana jails and estimated risk of preterm birth, mass incarceration may be an underlying cause of the persistent inequities in reproductive health outcomes experienced by black women in Louisiana. Not only are there economic and social impacts stemming from mass incarceration, but there may also be implications for population health and health inequities, including the persistence of racial disparities in preterm birth and low birth weight.

scholarly journals Pregnancy Outcome during the First COVID 19 Lockdown in Vienna, Austria

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3782
Author(s):  
Sylvia Kirchengast ◽  
Beda Hartmann
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Pregnancy Outcome ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Very Low Birth Weight ◽  
Extremely Low Birth Weight ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Gestational Length ◽  
Live Births

The COVID 19 pandemic represents a major stress factor for non-infected pregnant women. Although maternal stress during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction, an increasing number of studies yielded no negative effects of COVID 19 lockdowns on pregnancy outcome. The present study focused on pregnancy outcome during the first COVID 19 lockdown phase in Austria. In particular, it was hypothesized that the national lockdown had no negative effects on birth weight, low birth weight rate and preterm birth rate. In a retrospective medical record-based single center study, the outcome of 669 singleton live births in Vienna Austria during the lockdown phase between March and July 2020 was compared with the pregnancy outcome of 277 live births at the same hospital during the pre-lockdown months of January and February 2020 and, in addition, with the outcome of 28,807 live births between 2005 and 2019. The rate of very low gestational age was significantly lower during the lockdown phase than during the pre-lockdown phase. The rate of low gestational age, however, was slightly higher during the lockdown phase. Mean birth weight was significantly higher during the lockdown phase; the rates of low birth weight, very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight were significantly lower during the lockdown phase. In contrast, maternal gestational weight gain was significantly higher during the lockdown phase. The stressful lockdown phase in Austria seems to have no negative affect on gestational length and newborn weight among non-infected mothers.

scholarly journals Maternal exposure to airborne polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and risk of adverse birth outcomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ane Bungum Kofoed ◽  
Laura Deen ◽  
Karin Sørig Hougaard ◽  
Kajsa Ugelvig Petersen ◽  
Harald William Meyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Polychlorinated Biphenyls ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Small For Gestational Age ◽  
Maternal Exposure ◽  
Adverse Birth Outcomes ◽  
Secondary Sex Ratio

AbstractHuman health effects of airborne lower-chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (LC-PCBs) are largely unexplored. Since PCBs may cross the placenta, maternal exposure could potentially have negative consequences for fetal development. We aimed to determine if exposure to airborne PCB during pregnancy was associated with adverse birth outcomes. In this cohort study, exposed women had lived in PCB contaminated apartments at least one year during the 3.6 years before conception or the entire first trimester of pregnancy. The women and their children were followed for birth outcomes in Danish health registers. Logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) for changes in secondary sex ratio, preterm birth, major congenital malformations, cryptorchidism, and being born small for gestational age. We performed linear regression to estimate difference in birth weight among children of exposed and unexposed mothers. All models were adjusted for maternal age, educational level, ethnicity, and calendar time. We identified 885 exposed pregnancies and 3327 unexposed pregnancies. Relative to unexposed women, exposed women had OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.82, 1.15) for secondary sex ratio, OR 1.13 (95% CI 0.76, 1.67) for preterm birth, OR 1.28 (95% CI 0.81, 2.01) for having a child with major malformations, OR 1.73 (95% CI 1.01, 2.95) for cryptorchidism and OR 1.23 (95% CI 0.88, 1.72) for giving birth to a child born small for gestational age. The difference in birth weight for children of exposed compared to unexposed women was − 32 g (95% CI—79, 14). We observed an increased risk of cryptorchidism among boys after maternal airborne LC-PCB exposure, but due to the proxy measure of exposure, inability to perform dose–response analyses, and the lack of comparable literature, larger cohort studies with direct measures of exposure are needed to investigate the safety of airborne LC-PCB exposure during pregnancy

O-221 Stage and morphology of the competent blastocyst are associated with pregnancy and birth outcomes; a multicenter cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M L Groendahl ◽  
M. Buhl Borgstrøm ◽  
U. Schiøler Kesmodel
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Blastocyst Transfer ◽  
Singleton Pregnancy ◽  
Child Weight ◽  
Single Blastocyst Transfer ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth

Abstract Study question Do stage and morphology of the competent blastocyst associate with initial hCG rise, gestational age, preterm birth, child birth weight, length, and child sex? Summary answer Higher stage, TE- and ICM-scores associated with higher hCG-rise; ICM- and TE-scores associated with length at birth, and higher stage and TE-score associated with boys. What is known already Many studies have focused on the developmental stage and morphology of the blastocysts in order to find biomarkers of competence to improve the efficacy of assisted reproduction technology treatment. In contrast, the associations between blastocyst assessment score parameters (individually or by combined score) and perinatal outcome have only been reported in few and smaller single center studies, and conflicting results have been presented. In the present study, we focused on the in vitro cultured blastocyst leading to a live birth and how the stage and morphology of these competent blastocysts relate to implantation and birth outcomes. Study design, size, duration Multicenter historical cohort study based on exposure (blastocyst stage (1-6) and morphology (trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM): A,B,C)) and outcome data (serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), gestational age, preterm birth, child weight, length, and sex) from women undergoing single blastocyst transfer resulting in singleton pregnancy and birth. Data from 16 private and university-based facilities for clinical services and research from 2014 to 2018 was included. Participants/materials, setting, methods 7246 women, who underwent ovarian stimulation or Frozen-thawed-Embryo-Transfer with single blastocyst transfer resulting in singleton pregnancy were identified. Linking to the Danish Medical Birth Registry resulted in a total of 4842 women with live birth being included. Initial serum hCG value (IU/L) (11 days after transfer), gestational age (days), preterm birth (%) child weight (grams), length (cm) and sex. The analyses were adjusted for female age, BMI, smoking, center, diagnosis, parity, gestational age and sex. Main results and the role of chance Higher mean initial hCG was consistently positively associated with higher developmental stage (p &lt; 0.001), TE (p &lt; 0.001) and ICM score (p = 0.02); for stage 6, TE (A) and ICM (A): 508.4, 436.5 and 428.5 IU/L, respectively. No differences between blastocyst morphology (stage, TE, ICM), gestational age (mean 276.6 days), preterm birth (8.3%) and birth weight (mean 3461.7 gram) were statistically significant. While stage showed no association with length at birth (mean 51.6 cm), length at birth between blastocysts with a TE score C and a TE score A were statistically significant (mean difference 0.5 cm (0.07;0.83)) as was the length at birth between blastocysts with an ICM score B and C compared to score A, mean differences respectively 0.2 cm (0.02;0.31) and 0.5 cm (0.03;0.87). Stage and TE, but not ICM were associated with the sex of the child. Blastocysts transferred with stage score 5 compared to blastocysts transferred with score 3 had a 33% increased probability of being a boy (OR 1.33 (1.08;1.64)). Further, TE score B blastocysts compared to TE score A blastocysts had a 28% reduced probability of being a boy (OR 0.72 (0.62;0.82)). Limitations, reasons for caution The assessment scores of the blastocystś stage and morphology were based on subjective evaluation, and information bias may have influenced the results. By adjusting for center, we took the potential variation in scoring between clinics into considerations. Wider implications of the findings Stage and morphology of the competent blastocyst was associated with initial hCG rise suggesting an effect on implantation, which may be used in routine, everyday information to women and couples on the day of blastocyst transfer. Trial registration number j.nr.: VD-2018-282

Regional Birth Outcomes after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in Miyagi Prefecture

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junichi Sugawara ◽  
Noriyuki Iwama ◽  
Tetsuro Hoshiai ◽  
Hideki Tokunaga ◽  
Hidekazu Nishigori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Risk Analysis ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Birth Rate ◽  
Great East Japan Earthquake ◽  
Miyagi Prefecture ◽  
Preterm Birth Rate ◽  
Regional Risk Analysis

AbstractObjectivesThis study was aimed to analyze post-disaster birth outcomes in coastal and inland regions of Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.MethodsPrimary data sets were compiled from birth records of obstetric facilities and 12,808 patients were analyzed for baseline birth outcomes by region. Regional risk analysis of the low-birth-weight rate and premature birth rate were conducted using multi-level logistic regression analysis.ResultsFrom overall baseline birth outcomes, a preterm birth rate was 4.6% and low-birth-weight rate was 8.8%. Regional analysis revealed that a preterm birth rate was 3.2% (coastal) and 5.0% (inland), respectively, and the rate of low birth weight was 6.5% in the coastal and 8.5% in the inland region. In the risk analysis of low-birth-weight rate and preterm birth rate, the risk in the coastal region could not be considered any higher than in the inland region (adjusted odds ratio 0.91 [0.73-1.14] and 0.85 [0.46-1.59], respectively).ConclusionsThe incidence of preterm birth and low birth weight were not adversely affected by the disaster. Early transfer and intensive medical intervention may have led to those findings. Further survey will be necessary to determine the long-term effects in both mothers and children.SugawaraJ, IwamaN, HoshiaiT, TokunagaH, NishigoriH, MetokiH, OkamuraK, YaegashiN. Regional birth outcomes after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in Miyagi Prefecture. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):215–219.

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