Poor Birth Outcomes Research Articles

Midwife-Led Mobile Antenatal Clinic: An Innovative Approach to Improve Utilization of Services in Pwani, Tanzania

Participating in antenatal clinics is a major determinant in reducing poor maternal and neonatal birth outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the utilization of antenatal clinic (ANC) services provided by a mobile clinic led by skilled midwives and determine the acceptability in the Pwani region, Tanzania. For a year, the mobile clinic, nicknamed “Mkunga Kitaani” and equipped with necessary tools and staff, served seven villages in the Kisarawe district that lacked health facilities. The research was conducted using a descriptive study design, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through 12 interviews and 214 medical records among pregnant women, respectively. The results show that approximately 17% of the women initiated ANC early, while 36% made their visit during their third trimester. Participants generally preferred the mobile clinic over traditional facilities due to its provision of comprehensive care. However, challenges such as clinic unreliability during the rainy season and limited availability of tests, including obstetric ultrasounds, were noted. Despite hurdles, the study highlighted increased ANC access and community engagement, suggesting potential for expansion to other underserved rural areas. The findings underscore the importance of innovative approaches to ANC delivery in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.

Intersection of Community Violence and Prenatal Substance Exposure: A Spatiotemporal Analysis.

Maternal substance use during pregnancy is a known risk factor for poor birth outcomes and lifelong health consequences. In addition, exposure to domestic and community violence can be associated with adverse birth outcomes. Due to limited research examining public health challenges linked to prenatal substance exposure (PSE)/neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) at the population level, we examined possible geographic and temporal intersections between (1) community violence and PSE/NAS, and (2) community gun violence and PSE/NAS. We conducted a study using abstracted records of neonates born at a tertiary referral hospital from 2012 to 2019 having a diagnosis code for PSE/NAS (n = 1,523). Cases of community violence were identified using a hospital-based Trauma Registry during the 2012 to 2019 period (n = 1,580). We identified zones of spatial clustering and geographic overlap between community violence and PSE/NAS using emerging hot spot analysis. Geographic and temporal clustering of PSE/NAS occurred. PSE/NAS had statistically significant zones of overlap with community assault cases (New Hot Spot 15 zones, Consecutive 5 zones, Sporadic Hot Spot 62 zones with a p < 0.01). PSE/NAS also clustered with community gun violence (New Hot Spot 11 zones, Consecutive Hot Spot 90 zones, Intensifying Hot Spot 13 zones, Sporadic Hot Spot 20 zones with a p < 0.01). Spatiotemporal overlap occurred between community violence and the adverse neonatal event of PSE/NAS. By allocating resources to identified geographic areas of increased risk, the health of vulnerable communities can be improved. · PSE/NAS geographically and temporally clusters with community violence.. · PSE/NAS geographically and temporally clusters with community gun violence.. · Resources should be provided to communities with increased risk.. · By allocating resources, communities members' health can be improved..

Target Trial Emulation: Impact of C-Section on Birth Outcomes for Spontaneous Preterm Breech Presentations

Breech presentation is a risk factor for poor birth outcomes. Guidance for safest mode of delivery in breech presenting full term pregnancies is available but there is a lack of evidence on the optimal mode of delivery in breech presenting preterm spontaneous births. The aim of this study is to evaluate the causal effect of mode of delivery on extended perinatal death (EPD) in this population using a trial emulation. Randomized experiments are the gold standard for estimating causal effects; however, previous attempts to conduct them in this context has resulted in recruitment challenges. Causal inference methods provide a framework for drawing causal conclusions from observational data. A trial emulation aims to overcome limitations common to observational studies by specifying core components of a randomized trial using observational data. Our trial emulation uses national Scottish health data to identify an eligible study sample and adjust for confounding characteristics between groups undergoing caesarean and vaginal deliveries to simulate randomized assignment of mode of delivery. We were able to estimate the per-protocol impact of caesarean delivery on EPD. Our data, containing all recorded potentially eligible births in Scotland between 1997 and 2019, was provided by eDRIS in a trusted research environment. After applying our eligibility criteria, our data contained 3,457 birth records, (2,361 c-section and 1,096 vaginal deliveries). There were 212 EPDs (1.7% (39) of c-sections and 16% (173) of vaginal deliveries). Our preliminary results suggest that caesarean delivery reduces the odds of EPD by 73% among breech presenting spontaneous preterm births.

The costs and benefits of scaling up interventions to prevent poor birth outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries: a modelling study

We estimated the benefits and costs of a set of preventive interventions that could be delivered during antenatal care to prevent poor birth outcomes, including small-for-gestational-age and preterm births. We built on the assumptions and analyses underlying the Lancet Series on small vulnerable newborns (SVNs) and extended that work by incorporating more recent data, focusing only on the subset of preventive interventions, and examining a broader range of effects. A primary aim of the study was to provide a framework that decision makers could use to design programmes for women and children. The analyses used the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) to estimate the effects and costs of scaling up the 11 preventive interventions identified in the SVN Series to improve birth outcomes. We used LiST estimates of effects and costs to estimate benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) for two intervention packages (one with interventions proven to improve birth outcomes and one with proven interventions plus interventions with potential to improve birth outcomes) and for the individual interventions in these packages for 80 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Both packages of interventions had BCRs more than 1, with a proven package BCR of 7·3 (IQR 5·3-9·1) and a proven plus potential package BCR of 5·8 (4·4-6·9). We found that in all cases the individual interventions had BCRs more than 1, there was a wide range of BCR values for the different interventions, and the BCR varied depending on package and country. The analyses presented in this Article provide evidence that there are preventive interventions that, if scaled up in LMICs, could have a large effect on child health and provide benefits that greatly exceed the costs. Global Affairs Canada.

Association of Preterm Delivery with Urinary Tract Infection and Preventive Role of Ceftriaxone

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the leading cause of maternal morbidity and poor birth outcomes. Pregnancy changes increase UTI risk. A larger bladder, less tone, and a shift in vaginal flora are changes. Eradicating pathogens in the urogenital tract can lower the risk of infection-related preterm labor by stopping the progression of asymptomatic bacteriuria into a more serious infection. Objective: To determine the association of preterm labor with urinary tract infection and the preventive role of ceftriaxone. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from 14 December 2021 to 10 June 2022. 130 pregnant women who met the selection criteria were recruited from the hospital's post-delivery wards. The participants were then separated into a case group and a control group. Protocols for treating UTIs in female were followed. Ceftriaxone was administered to the group of participants who were UTI-positive. Results: The mean age of female in the case group was 28.88 ± 7.18 and in the controls group was 28.97 ± 6.85 years. The mean gestational age at delivery in cases was 34.28 ± 1.34 weeks and in controls 39.4 ± 1.11 weeks. There was a significant association between preterm labor and urinary tract infection (p= &lt;0.05). Administration of ceftriaxone reduced the risk of preterm labor (p=0.001). Conclusions: It was concluded that there is a significant correlation between UTIs and premature labor and ceftriaxone plays an important role in reducing preterm delivery of UTI patients.

The Impact of Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status on Birth Outcomes Among Pregnant Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Birth outcomes have been linked to the overall maternal general health including nutrition as well as maternal age during pregnancy. Compared to adults, delivery outcomes during adolescence are poor. Nutrient intake and nutrition status during adolescent pregnancy may be linked to birth outcomes. This review aims to identify the association between dietary intake and nutrition status of pregnant adolescents and their maternofetal outcomes. Literature search on nutrient intake and nutritional status of pregnant adolescents (aged 11-19 years) which identified 17 English papers from 1995 to 2019 was reviewed. Papers that did not include data on birth outcomes in relation to nutrient intake or nutritional status were excluded. The review showed that most micronutrients with the exception of Riboflavin, vitamins B12 and C were below the recommended levels whilst macronutrients levels were above the recommended levels. Energy intakes were also below the recommended levels. Most studies presented normal hemoglobin levels in the first trimester of pregnancy but these levels decreased as pregnancy progressed to the third trimester leading to a high prevalence of anemia. Well-regulated provision and intake of micronutrient supplementation and nutrition education to improve healthy eating habits will significantly reduce poor birth outcomes such as low birth weights (LBW), still births, preterm deliveries, small or large for gestational age (SGA and LGA) and intrauterine growth restrictions in pregnant adolescents. This review provides to a large extent evidence to support the importance of adolescent nutrition and birth outcomes. There is the need to implement policies to improve adolescent nutrition through a multisectoral approach.

Evaluation of birth outcomes, congenital anomalies and neonatal complications of singletons born to infertile women treated with letrozole: A retrospective cohort study.

At present, safety of letrozole administration as an ovulation-inducing drug still remains controversial. Investigation of the safety of letrozole use for the induction of ovulation in the Chinese population is scant. The present study aimed to fill this gap. Data concerning mothers using letrozole and birth outcomes of their singleton offspring were collected as the letrozole group (n=194), equivalent data from mothers using non-letrozole drugs and their singleton offspring were included as the non-letrozole group (control, n=154). Birth outcomes, congenital anomalies and neonatal complications were compared and analyzed between the two groups. Univariate analysis, Spearman's rank correlation analysis and the logistic regression model were utilized. For birth outcomes, the percentage of caesarean section deliveries in the letrozole group was lower than the non-letrozole group (43.8 vs. 56.4%, P=0.019). For congenital anomalies, no significant difference was found between the two groups (all P>0.05). The statistical P-value for the correlation between the maternal use of letrozole and neonatal complications was marginal (P=0.051). Results from the logistic regression analysis confirmed that maternal use of letrozole was not a significant contributor for neonatal complications, independent of statistical adjustment [crude odds ratio (OR), 1.436; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.803-2.569; P=0.223 vs. adjusted OR, 1.406; 95% CI, 0.748-2.643; P=0.290). The results of the present study suggested that maternal use of letrozole for ovulation induction does not associate with poorer birth outcomes or increased risk of congenital anomalies and neonatal complications.

Analysis of the impact of maternal sepsis on pregnancy outcomes: a population-based retrospective study

BackgroundTo investigate the association between maternal sepsis during pregnancy and poor pregnancy outcome and to identify risk factors for poor birth outcomes and adverse perinatal events.MethodsWe linked the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS) database and the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Database (NHID) to conduct this population-based study. We analysed the data of pregnant women who met the criteria for sepsis-3 during pregnancy between 2005 and 2017 as the maternal sepsis cases and selected pregnant women without infection as the non-sepsis comparison cohort. Sepsis during pregnancy and fulfilled the sepsis-3 definition proposed in 2016. The primary outcome included low birth weight (LBW, < 2500 g) and preterm birth (< 34 weeks), and the secondary outcome was the occurrence of adverse perinatal events.ResultsWe enrolled 2,732 women who met the criteria for sepsis-3 during pregnancy and 196,333 non-sepsis controls. We found that the development of maternal sepsis was highly associated with unfavourable pregnancy outcomes, including LBW (adjOR 9.51, 95% CI 8.73–10.36), preterm birth < 34 weeks (adjOR 11.69, 95%CI 10.64–12.84), and the adverse perinatal events (adjOR 3.09, 95% CI 2.83–3.36). We also identified that socio-economically disadvantaged status was slightly associated with an increased risk for low birth weight and preterm birth.ConclusionWe found that the development of maternal sepsis was highly associated with LBW, preterm birth and adverse perinatal events. Our findings highlight the prolonged impact of maternal sepsis on pregnancy outcomes and indicate the need for vigilance among pregnant women with sepsis.

“It’s different here” Afghan refugee maternal health experiences in the United States

BackgroundThe number of Afghan families in the US has grown over the past two decades, yet there is a paucity of research focused on their maternal healthcare experiences. Afghan families have one of the highest fertility rates in the world and typically have large families. As the US faces rising maternal mortality rates, it is crucial to understand factors that affect health outcomes for culturally distinct groups. We aimed to better understand Afghan women’s maternal health experiences in South Texas as a step toward designing culturally sensitive care.MethodsUsing a qualitative descriptive design, twenty Afghan women who gave birth in the US within the past 2 years participated in audio-recorded interviews. The first and second authors conducted each interview using a semi-structured interview guide. The authors used an in vivo coding method and qualitative content analysis of the transcribed narrative data.ResultsWe identified three broad categories with corresponding sub-categories: 1) Maternal Healthcare Experiences: pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum, 2) Communication: language barrier, relationship with husband, and health information seeking, 3) Access to Care: transportation and financing healthcare. The participants expressed perspectives of gratefulness and positive experiences, yet some described stories of poor birth outcomes that led to attitudes of mistrust and disappointment. Distinct cultural preferences were shared, providing invaluable insights for healthcare providers.ConclusionsThe fact that the Afghan culture is strikingly different than the US mainstream culture can lead to stereotypical assumptions, poor communication, and poor health outcomes.The voices of Afghan women should guide healthcare providers in delivering patient-centered, culturally sensitive maternity care that promotes healthy families and communities.

P-430 The placentation defects are associated with the abnormal proangiogenic signaling of Hofbauer cells driven by advanced maternal age

Abstract Study question Does the abnormality of Hofbauer cells, a subtype of macrophages, in the placental villi cause abnormal placental development in advanced pregnant women? Summary answer Maternal age has a significant impact on the proangiogenic capacity of Hofbauer cells in the placental villi. What is known already Hofbauer cells, a population of macrophages that existed in the placental villi, are known to be related to the transmission of pathogens in the materno-fetal interface. In addition, it has been known that Hofbauer cells can express some cytokines, such as VEGF-A and IL-8, being able to promote angiogenesis. Advanced maternal age has a higher probability to cause placental abnormalities. Whether this is related to alterations in the pro-angiogenic capacity of Hofbauer cells is not clear. Study design, size, duration To investigate the relationship between the angiogenic capacity of Hofbauer cells and maternal age, we compared the difference in strength of proangiogenetic signaling of Hofbauer cells between advanced maternal age and young maternal age in the single cell level, and identified the genes in Hofbauer cells that are most affected by advanced maternal age, which was further validated by immunofluorescence and in vitro tube formation assay. Participants/materials, setting, methods We collected six placental tissues (3 advanced maternal age and 3 young maternal age) across mid- and later-gestational trimesters and performed scRNA-seq, cytometry analysis, and tube formation assay. In addition, we performed immunofluorescence to validate the findings in the scRNA-seq data. Main results and the role of chance We report that the number of macrophages in the placenta of advanced maternal age is significantly lower than in the placenta of younger counterpart, and Hofbauer cell, a fetal-derived macrophage within the placental villi, has obvious down-regulation of proangiogenic signal in advanced maternal age, which is closely associated with the occurrence of placentation defects. Since some key angiogenic factors, such as HIF1A, appear to be more important in the early stages of placental development, placental malformations associated with them may occur more frequently in the early stage of gestation. Limitations, reasons for caution Although we tentatively identified the effect of advanced pregnancy on the angiogenesis-promoting capacity of Hofbauer cells, it is unclear about the dynamic course of angiogenesis signaling of Hofbauer cells throughout the whole gestation. It is necessary to understand the effects of Hofbauer cells on placental development at different gestational trimesters. Wider implications of the findings The investigations of this study into the proangiogenesis of Hofbauer cells are useful to develop potential placental interventions to ameliorate poor birth outcomes. In addition, it lays the foundation for further understanding the underlying molecular mechanism regulating the proangiogenic function of Hofbauer cells in detail. Trial registration number not applicable

Impact of helminth infections during pregnancy on maternal and newborn Vitamin D and on birth outcomes

Poor birth outcomes in low- and middle income countries are associated with maternal vitamin D deficiency and chronic helminth infections. Here, we investigated whether maternal Schistosoma haematobium affects maternal or cord vitamin D status as well as birth outcomes. In a prospective cross-sectional study of pregnant women conducted in Lambaréné, Gabon, we diagnosed maternal parasitic infections in blood, urine and stool. At delivery we measured vitamin D in maternal and cord blood. S. haematobium, soil-transmitted helminths, and microfilariae were found at prevalences of 30.2%, 13.0%, and 8.8%, respectively. Insufficient vitamin D and calcium levels were found in 28% and 15% of mothers, and in 11.5% and 1.5% of newborns. Mothers with adequate vitamin D had lower risk of low birthweight babies (aOR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.52, p = 0.01), whilst offspring of primipars had low cord vitamin D levels, and low vitamin D levels increased the risk of maternal inflammation. Maternal filariasis was associated with low calcium levels, but other helminth infections affected neither vitamin D nor calcium levels in either mothers or newborns. Healthy birth outcomes require maintenance of adequate vitamin D and calcium levels. Chronic maternal helminth infections do not disrupt those levels in a semi-rural setting in sub-Saharan Africa.

Gestational Age, Infection, and Suboptimal Maternal Prepregnancy BMI Independently Associate with Placental Histopathology in a Cohort of Pregnancies without Major Maternal Comorbidities.

Background: The placenta undergoes morphological and functional adaptations to adverse exposures during pregnancy. The effects ofsuboptimal maternal body mass index (BMI), preterm birth, and infection on placental histopathological phenotypes are not yet well understood, despite the association between these conditions and poor offspring outcomes. We hypothesized that suboptimal maternal prepregnancy BMI and preterm birth (with and without infection) would associate with altered placental maturity and morphometry, and that altered placental maturity would associate with poor birth outcomes. Methods: Clinical data and human placentae were collected from 96 pregnancies where mothers were underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, without other major complications. Placental histopathological characteristics were scored by an anatomical pathologist. Associations between maternal BMI, placental pathology (immaturity and hypermaturity), placental morphometry, and infant outcomes were investigated for term and preterm births with and without infection. Results: Fetal capillary volumetric proportion was decreased, whereas the villous stromal volumetric proportion was increased in placentae from preterm pregnancies with chorioamnionitis compared to preterm placentae without chorioamnionitis. At term and preterm, pregnancies with maternal overweight and obesity had a high percentage increase in proportion of immature placentae compared to normal weight. Placental maturity did not associate with infant birth outcomes. We observed placental hypermaturity and altered placental morphometry among preterm pregnancies with chorioamnionitis, suggestive of altered placental development, which may inform about pregnancies susceptible to preterm birth and infection. Conclusions: Our data increase our understanding of how common metabolic exposures and preterm birth, in the absence of other comorbidities or complications, potentially contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes and developmental programming.

Aboriginal and Immigrant Women’s Food Choices and Practices in Pregnancy: A Scoping Review

Dietary patterns of pregnant women are closely related to cultural values, beliefs, and various social and economic factors. Knowledge of the food choices and practices among pregnant Aboriginal and immigrant women, who both are vulnerable to poor pregnancy and birth outcomes, is essential for midwives and other maternity care providers to provide culturally appropriate care during pregnancy. A “scoping review,” guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, was performed to examine and outline the extent, range, and nature of empirical evidence on immigrant and Aboriginal women’s food practices during pregnancy. Assisted by an information scientist, a systematic search strategy without language or date restrictions was implemented in several electronic databases to identify primary research articles on the subject. Two reviewers independently screened, selected, and charted the data, and team consensus was used for discrepancies. A descriptive analytical framework was followed to depict the existing narrative account of the included studies. Seventeen articles describing seven qualitative and ten quantitative research studies were selected for review, and nine themes were identified. This review will help midwives and other maternity care providers gain an understanding of the importance of culture for Aboriginal and immigrant women’s diets and of existing barriers so that prenatal care can be individually tailored to include nutritional advice and to optimize culturally appropriate care. More individual studies that focus on the cultural aspects of immigrants and Aboriginal pregnant women are needed to improve prenatal care. This article has been peer reviewed.

Multicomponent Behavioural Intervention during Pregnancy to Reduce Home Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial in Bangladesh and India.

Pregnant women exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) are at increased risk of poor birth outcomes. We piloted multicomponent behavioural intervention and trial methods in Bangalore, India, and Comilla, Bangladesh. A pilot individual randomised controlled trial with economic and process evaluation components was conducted. Non-tobacco-using pregnant women exposed to SHS were recruited from clinics and randomly allocated to intervention or control (educational leaflet) arms. The process evaluation captured feedback on the trial methods and intervention components. The economic component piloted a service use questionnaire. The primary outcome was saliva cotinine 3 months post-intervention. Most pregnant women and many husbands engaged with the intervention and rated the components highly, although the cotinine report elicited some anxiety. Forty-eight (Comilla) and fifty-four (Bangalore) women were recruited. The retention at 3 months was 100% (Comilla) and 78% (Bangalore). Primary outcome data were available for 98% (Comilla) and 77% (Bangalore). The multicomponent behavioural intervention was feasible to deliver and was acceptable to the interventionists, pregnant women, and husbands. With the intervention, it was possible to recruit, randomise, and retain pregnant women in Bangladesh and India. The cotinine data will inform sample size calculations for a future definitive trial.

A Review of Psychosocial Factors on Birth Outcomes in Women with Substance Use Disorder in the United States: The Importance of Preventing Relapse During Sustained Remission

Infant mortality rate has been an area of concern for the United States for years. Many attributing factors, including psychosocial influences, have been identified. Pregnant patients with substance use disorder have also been shown to experience poor birth outcomes. This study examines trends related to socioeconomic hurdles and mental health in pregnant women with substance use disorder. Databases were searched to find resources that outlined these relationships. After assessing the study designs and associations of fifty-five resources, several patterns were observed, including an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes with higher maternal stress and lower socioeconomic status. In pregnant women with substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress and social stigma resulted in negative effects on mental health. Substance use-related pregnancy anxiety was amplified by triggers that resulted in feelings of fetal detachment and substance cravings. Most literature focused on pregnant patients with active addiction; however, these triggers may have an especially powerful effect on women who become pregnant while in substance use recovery. Studies on remission trajectories indicated a higher mortality risk in people with a history of substance use but have not yet calculated the proportion of women capable of bearing children in this category. This highlights the necessity to develop personalized treatment for pregnant women in sustained remission from substance use disorder to prevent relapse during this crucial time. This population would benefit from a screening tool that assesses for high-risk events like PTSD, psychological stress, and substance use triggers and intervention that includes evidence-based mental health resources.

Perinatal dengue and Zika virus cross-sectional seroprevalence and maternal-fetal outcomes among El Salvadoran women presenting for labor-and-delivery.

Despite maternal flavivirus infections' linkage to severe maternal and fetal outcomes, surveillance during pregnancy remains limited globally. Further complicating maternal screening for these potentially teratogenic pathogens is the overwhelming subclinical nature of acute infection. This study aimed to understand perinatal and neonatal risk for poor health outcomes associated with flaviviral infection during pregnancy in El Salvador. Banked serologic samples and clinical results obtained from women presenting for labor and delivery at a national referent hospital in western El Salvador March to September 2022 were used for this study. 198 samples were screened for dengue and Zika virus IgM, and statistical analyses analyzed demographic and clinical outcome associations with IgM positivity. This serosurvey revealed a high rate of maternal flavivirus infection-24.2% of women presenting for labor and delivery were dengue or Zika virus IgM positive, suggesting potential infection within pregnancy. Specifically, 20.2% were Zika virus IgM positive, 1.5% were dengue virus IgM positive, and 2.5% were both dengue and Zika virus IgM positive. Women whose home had received mosquito abatement assistance within the last year by the ministry of health were 70% less likely to test IgM positive (aOR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.10, 0.83). Further, statistical geospatial clustering revealed transmission foci in six primary municipalities. Pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes were noted among the dengue and/or Zika virus maternal infection group, although these outcomes were not statistically different than the seronegative group. None of the resulting neonates born during this study were diagnosed with congenital Zika syndrome. The high rate of Zika virus detected among pregnant women and the lack of Zika-specific neonatal outcomes monitoring during a non-outbreak year highlights the need for continued surveillance in Central America and among immigrant mothers presenting for childbirth from these countries. As changing climatic conditions continue to expand the range of the disease vector, asymptomatic screening programs could be vital to early identification of outbreaks and clinical management of cases.

Born on the wrong side of the tracks: Exploring the causal effects of segregation on infant health

Prior research has found that a high level of residential racial segregation, or the degree to which racial/ethnic groups are isolated from one another, is associated with worsened infant health outcomes, particularly among non-Hispanic (NH) Black infant populations. However, because exposure to segregation is non-random, it is unclear whether and to what extent segregation is causally linked to infant health. To overcome this empirical limitation, we leverage exogenous variation in the placement of railroad tracks in the 19th century to predict contemporary segregation, an approach first introduced by Ananat (2011). In alignment with prior literature, we find that residential segregation has statistically significant associations with negative birth outcomes among Black infant populations in the area. Using OLS methods underestimates the negative impacts of segregation on infant health. We fail to detect comparable effects on health outcomes among NH White infant populations. Further, we identify several key mechanisms by which residential segregation could influence health outcomes among Black infant populations, including lower access to prenatal care during the first trimester, higher levels of anti-Black prejudice, greater transportation barriers, and increased food insecurity. Given that poor birth outcomes have adverse effects on adults’ health and well-being, the findings suggest that in-utero exposure to residential segregation could have important implications for Black–White inequality over the life course.

Reproductive Autonomy for Individuals With Disabilities: Necessary Knowledge for Rehabilitation Counselors

Reproductive autonomy, or the ability to make decisions about one’s reproductive health, has been historically limited for individuals with disabilities. Within the last century alone, they have experienced forced sterilization, asexualization, negative stereotyping, and poor birth outcomes. Rehabilitation counselors can play a unique role in changing this harmful narrative and supporting the decision-making of their clients. As a field, rehabilitation counseling has often acknowledged considerations related to disability and sexuality, but gaps exist in the discussion of reproduction-related topics such as abortion care, fertility support, and the experience of pregnancy remain. The literature reviewed in this paper highlights the significance of these issues, particularly the historical and current disparities in access and need. Greater recognition, education, and advocacy regarding reproductive autonomy in rehabilitation counseling is necessary to ensure that practitioners are supporting clients in a supportive and appropriate way.

Implementation and Impact of Perinatal Food Is Medicine Programs: A Qualitative Research Study

BackgroundImproving social determinants of health, such as access to nutritious food, is crucial for achieving health equity. Nutrition insecurity, especially during pregnancy and postpartum, can lead to poor maternal and birth outcomes. Food is Medicine (FIM) programs, which integrate food into the health care system to prevent or manage disease, have the potential to improve nutrition insecurity, but research about perinatal FIM programs is limited. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of public health impacts of perinatal FIM programs from the perspectives of both program implementers and program supporters and implementation strategies used to enhance program adoption, implementation, and maintenance. DesignQualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The interview guide was based on the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance framework. Participants/settingProgram implementers (n = 16) and program supporters (n = 20) were recruited across the United States through purposive sampling in 2022 and 2023. AnalysisData were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis and an iterative feedback loop with the project partner. ResultsInterviews were completed with program implementers and program supporters and generated meaning units (n = 1,942), which were coded into themes aligned with each Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance dimension. Perinatal FIM programs reached multiple priority populations who were mainly recruited through health care systems. Effectiveness measures typically included nutrition patterns and practices, as well as return on investment. Motivations for adopting programs primarily included partnerships and connections, financing, and policies and laws. Program components varied and were adapted to meet participants and setting needs. Policy, evidence, funding, and partnerships could lead to program maintenance. Implementation strategies applied by the program supporters included financial strategies and infrastructure changes. ConclusionsThere is a need to identify the core functions and adaptable forms of perinatal FIM programs, which could lead to identification of standard evaluation metrics. This could result in greater uptake by potential delivery agents, increased funding and policy support, and enhanced benefits for perinatal population experiencing health disparities.

Risk factors of adverse birth outcomes among a cohort of pregnant women in Coastal Kenya, 2017–2019

IntroductionAdverse birth outcomes particularly preterm births and congenital anomalies, are the leading causes of infant mortality globally, and the burden is highest in developing countries. We set out to determine the frequency of adverse birth outcomes and the risk factors associated with such outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women in Kenya.MethodsFrom October 2017 to July 2019, pregnant women < 28 weeks gestation were enrolled and followed up until delivery in three hospitals in coastal Kenya. Newborns were examined at delivery. Among women with birth outcome data, we assessed the frequency of congenital anomalies defined as gastroschisis, umbilical hernia, limb abnormalities and Trisomy 21, and adverse birth outcomes, defined as either stillbirth, miscarriage, preterm birth, small for gestational age, or microcephaly. We used log-binomial regression to identify maternal characteristics associated with the presence of at least one adverse outcome.ResultsAmong the 2312 women enrolled, 1916 (82.9%) had birth outcome data. Overall, 402/1916 (20.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 19.1–22.8) pregnancies had adverse birth outcomes. Specifically, 66/1916 (3.4%; 95% CI: 2.7–4.4) were stillbirths, 34/1916 (1.8%; 95% CI: 1.2–2.4) were miscarriages and 23/1816 (1.2%; 95% CI: 0.8–1.9) had congenital anomalies. Among the participants with anthropometric measurements data, 142/1200 (11.8%; 95% CI: 10.1 − 13.8) were small for gestational age and among the participants with ultrasound records, 143/1711 (8.4%; 95% CI: 7.1–9.8) were preterm. Febrile illnesses in current pregnancy (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1–2.8), a history of poor birth outcomes in prior pregnancy (aRR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–2.4) and high blood pressure in pregnancy (aRR: 3.9, 95% CI: (1.7–9.2) were independently associated with adverse birth outcomes in a model that included age, education, human immunodeficiency virus status and high blood pressure at enrolment.ConclusionWe found similar rates of overall adverse birth outcomes, congenital anomalies, and small for gestational age but higher rates of stillbirths and lower rates of prematurity compared to the rates that have been reported in the sub-Saharan Africa region. However, the rates of adverse birth outcomes in this study were comparable to other studies conducted in Kenya. Febrile illnesses during the current pregnancy, previous history of poor birth outcomes and high blood pressure in pregnancy are predictive of an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes.