This study examined the long-term impact of early reproductive health on later physical health in a cohort of African American mothers from the Woodlawn neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. These women (n=681) have been followed prospectively from 1966-67 to 1997-98. Women who reported poor health during pregnancy and more than two pregnancy complications were found to be disadvantaged in educational attainment and financial resources. In multiple regression after adjusting for age, education, and welfare status, pregnancy complications were associated with self-assessed health status and chronic conditions, with those who reported more than two complications in early pregnancy having poor health status and having more chronic health problems thirty years later. However, other measures of reproductive history (e.g., health during pregnancy, number of births, delivery of low birthweight infant, and teenage motherhood) were not associated with later health status. In addition, findings provided no support that serious physical illness or injury between 1967 and 1975 mediated the relationship between reproductive health and later physical health conditions. Our study concluded that women with a history of pregnancy complications may be at greater risk of poor health in later life.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Reproductive Health, Physical Activity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.