Objective. To determine the extent to which prenatal care (PC) affects the association between maternal and infant birth weight among whites and African-Americans.
Methods. Stratified analyses were performed on an Illinois transgenerational vital record dataset of infants born between 1989-1991 and their mothers between 1956-1976. PC care was defined as adequate when initiated in the first trimester.
Results. White infants (N=11,481) born to former LBW mothers had a 60% greater LBW rate than white infants (N=192,771) born to former non-LBW mothers; 8% vs. 5%, RR=1.6 (1.5-1.7). African-American infants (N=5,381) born to former LBW mothers had a 80% greater LBW rate than AA infants (N=34,653) born to former non-LBW mothers; 22% vs. 13%, RR=1.8 (1.7-1.9). LBW mothers were less likely to receive adequate PC than non-LBW mothers. The RR of LBW for white and AA infants of former LBW (compared to non-LBW) mothers who received inadequate PC were 1.5 (1.1-1.9) and 1.4 (1.2-1.6), respectively. Interestingly, this disparity persisted among whites and AA whose mothers received adequate PC; RR=1.6 (1.5-1.7) and 1.6 (1.5-1.7).
Conclusions. We conclude that maternal LBW is a modest risk factor for infant LBW independent of prenatal care. This intriguing phenomenon supports the concept that the fetal conditions of women’s life are important determinants of later pregnancy outcome.
Learning Objectives: 1. To understand that maternal low birth weight is a risk factor for infant low birth weight. 2. To understand that maternal low birth weight is associated with infant low birth weight rates independent of maternal education and prenatal care usage. 3. To understand that maternal birth weight, prenatal care usage, and education attainment fail to explain the racial disparity in low birth weight rates.
Keywords: Low Birthweight, Ethnicity
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.