Pregnancy Experiences in a Transitional Urban Community

Abstract

Studies of sociomedical factors in relation to maternity and pregnancy outcome clearly indicate their mutual interrelatedness. How, then, might pregnancy experiences of women living in a transitional urban community reflect the changes taking place? Also, would the profile that emerged be of help in identifying problem areas and providing clues to solutions? If a descriptive baseline of such information could be established in a geographically defined area, would it be useful for following trends over time and for monitoring the effects of preventive innovations or adverse influences? The 1960-1961 Master Sample Survey in the Washington Heights Health District, a metropolitan community of over a quarter-million residents, provided an opportunity to establish just such a baseline.