Background: Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) increases infant mortality risk. In 1998, 10,314 California babies were born with IUGR. Earlier research has suggested an association between psychosocial factors and IUGR. Understanding better how psychosocial factors affect IUGR direct social support program planning. Methods: We analyzed data from a California population-based survey of new mothers of singletons linked to birth certificate data (n=3127). We defined cases as term (> 37 weeks gestation) births with birthweight < 2500 grams. All other term births were controls. We calculated odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of IUGR with happiness about becoming pregnant, wanting to become pregnant and maternal sense of control. Using logistic regression, we controlled for race/ethnicity, maternal age, previous low birthweight birth, pre-pregnancy weight, pregnancy weight gain, smoking, education, marital status and poverty status. We used Sudaan statistical software for analysis. Results: In univariate analysis, only happiness about becoming pregnant was significantly associated with IUGR. Among case mothers, 9.9% reported being very unhappy about becoming pregnant compared with 3.7% of controls (OR=3.15, 95% CI 1.20, 8.23). After controlling for potential confounding variables in logistic regression, this association was no longer significant (OR 2.20 95% CI=0.33,14.63). Conclusions: A woman’s happiness about becoming pregnancy correlates with IUGR; yet, it is not independently associated.Research should explore this relationship further so programs can target the underlying factors that may contribute to both IUGR and psychosocial well-being.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives; At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to: 1. Discuss the literature on the relationship between social and psychological factors on birth outcomes, specifically low birth weightand intrauterine growth retardation. 2. Explain relationship between happiness about becoming pregnant, wanting to become pregnant and maternal sense of control with intrauterine growth retardation. 3. Discuss the interaction of other factors, such as income, with this relationship.
Keywords: MCH Epidemiology, Pregnancy Outcomes
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.