Factors associated with repetition of low birthweight: Missouri longitudinal study

The tendency to repeat low birthweight (LBW < 2500 g) was studied in 182 285 linked first and second birth Missouri livebirths for 1978–90, of which 10 701 had first birth LBW. We examined the likelihood of LBW repetition by first birth birthweight, preterm delivery, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) status by race, and the odd ratios (ORs) of repeat LBW for risk factors such as smoking, in comparison with ORs of second birth LBW among women with normal-weight first births. We found a strong tendency to repeat LBW (21%), especially following more extreme LBW first births. Adjusted ORs for repeat LBW were 10.1 for births that were preterm and SGA; 7.9 for preterm non-SGA; and 6.3 for SGA term births. Significant ORs of LBW repetition were found for smoking (1.52 and 1.85 for smoking in second pregnancy only and both pregnancies, respectively), short interpregnancy interval (1.33), and advanced maternal age (1.17), but the ORs were generally lower than those for women with normal-weight first births. Low pre-pregnancy weight was a significant risk factor for LBW repetition.     

Reducing low birthweight by resolving risks: results from Colorado's prenatal plus program

OBJECTIVES: We examined low-birthweight (LBW) rates among participants in Colorado's Prenatal Plus program by prenatal risk factors (smoking, inadequate weight gain during pregnancy, and psychosocial problems) and the effect of successful resolution of these risks during pregnancy. METHODS: Data for 3569 Medicaid-eligible women who received care coordination, nutritional counseling, or psychosocial counseling through the Prenatal Plus Program in 2002 were analyzed to determine the prevalence of specific risks, the proportion of women who resolved each specific risk, and the low birthweight rates for births to women who did and did not resolve risk. LBW rates were analyzed with chi(2) tests of significance. RESULTS: Women who quit smoking had an LBW rate of 8.5%, compared with an LBW rate of 13.7% among women who did not. Women with adequate weight gain had an LBW rate of 6.7%, compared with 17.2% among women with inadequate weight gain. Women who resolved all of their risks had a low-birthweight rate of 7.0%, compared with a rate of 13.2% among women who resolved no risks. Women who had at least 10 Prenatal Plus visits were more likely to resolve their risks than were women who had fewer visits. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary prenatal interventions targeted toward specific risks demonstrate success at significantly improving infant birthweight.     

Preterm delivery and later maternal cardiovascular disease risk

BACKGROUND: Women who have delivered a preterm infant are at elevated risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but mechanisms for this association are not understood. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study we investigated whether older women with a history of preterm birth (<37 weeks) had a higher prevalence of CVD. Participants were 446 women (mean age 80 years; 47% black) enrolled in the Pittsburgh, PA field center of The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Women reported preterm status, birth weight, smoking status, and selected complications for each pregnancy. CVD status was determined by self-report and hospital records. Analysis was limited to first births not explicitly complicated by hypertension or preeclampsia. RESULTS: Women who had delivered a preterm infant (on average 57 years in the past) had a higher prevalence of CVD. After adjustment for race, age, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, interleukin-6, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and statin use, the odds ratio for CVD among women who delivered a preterm infant was 2.85 (95% confidence interval = 1.19-6.85) compared with women who had delivered term infants weighing more than 2500 g. This relationship was not altered by lifetime smoking history. There was evidence of negative confounding by statin use and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Among women delivering infants who were both preterm and low birth weight (<2500 g), the odds ratio was 3.31 (1.06-10.37) for CVD compared with women with term, normal weight infants. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that vascular and metabolic factors account for some but not all of the increased prevalence of CVD among women many years after a preterm birth.     

Impact of multiple births on low birthweight--Massachusetts, 1989-1996

In Massachusetts during 1989-1996, perinatal health indicators such as infant mortality, teen birth rate, and maternal smoking during pregnancy decreased steadily; however, low birthweight (LBW) (i.e., <2500 g [<5 lbs, 8 oz]) rates increased consistently. During this same period, the multiple-birth rate (i.e., number of twins and higher order multiple births per 100 live births) increased from 2.5% in 1989 to 3.5% in 1996. Massachusetts has the highest multiple-birth rate in the United States. Multiple births are more likely to result in LBW infants. To determine the effect of changes in the rate of multiple births on LBW rates and to characterize women who have multiple births, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health examined data on births in Massachusetts during 1989-1996. This report summarizes the results of this analysis, which indicate that the increase in LBW rates in Massachusetts was associated with changes in the rate of multiple births, especially among older, better educated women.     

孕前体质指数及孕期增重对新生儿出生体重影响的前瞻性队列研究

  目的   分析孕妇孕前体质指数(body mass index, BMI)及孕期增重(gestational weight gain, GWG)与新生儿出生体重的关联性, 并探究孕妇孕前及孕中体重动态变化对新生儿低出生体重(low birth weight, LBW)及巨大儿的影响。   方法   收集中国孕产妇队列·协和纳入的孕早期孕妇孕前体重, 并随访至分娩后, 收集分娩前体重及新生儿出生结局。将孕妇孕前BMI分为低体重组、正常体重组及超重/肥胖组, 将GWG分为适宜、不足及过多组。采用多因素多分类(多项)Logistic回归分析模型探讨孕前BMI及GWG与新生儿出生体重的关系。   结果   孕前BMI及GWG与子代出生体重相关(均有P < 0.05)。孕前超重/肥胖(OR=2.339, 95% CI:1.674~2.282, P < 0.001)、GWG过多(OR=1.398, 95% CI:1.188~1.978, P=0.048)显示为巨大儿的危险因素, GWG不足(OR=1.479, 95% CI:1.461~1.679, P=0.035)显示为LBW的危险因素, GWG过多会降低LBW的发生风险(OR=0.428, 95% CI:0.225~0.817, P=0.010)。低BMI-GWG不足(OR=1.335, 95% CI:1.048~2.319, P=0.048)是LBW的危险因素; 正常BMI-GWG过多(OR=1.088, 95% CI:1.016~1.675, P=0.038)和超重/肥胖-GWG过多(OR=1.498, 95% CI:1.244~2.017, P=0.046)是巨大儿的危险因素。   结论   孕前BMI及GWG是影响新生儿出生体重的重要因素, 提示女性应合理控制孕前及孕中体重变化。     

Independent and Interactive Associations of Prenatal Mood and Substance Use With Infant Birth Outcomes

The main objective of this work is to examine low prenatal mood, alcohol and tobacco use and rates of preterm (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) births among women in Minnesota between 2002 and 2006. We examined the Minnesota version of the national, cross-sectional survey of postpartum women, the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (MN PRAMS). Of the 11,891 women sampled in 2002–2006, 7,457 had complete data for analysis; the weighted response rates averaged 76%. The major variables of interest were: LBW, PTB, maternal mood during pregnancy, prenatal alcohol use, prenatal tobacco use and interaction terms created from the mood and substance use variables. Women with low mood who used tobacco during pregnancy were twice as likely to have a LBW infant as women who did not smoke and reported high mood (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.35, 3.33, P = 0.001). Among women who abstained from alcohol during pregnancy, those with low mood were at an increased risk for PTB (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.54–2.45, P < 0.0001) compared to women with high mood. Low maternal mood was associated with increased risks for PTB, and LBW births among MN PRAMS respondents. Substance use and low prenatal mood co-occur and the combined effect on PTB and LBW birth outcomes warrants further investigation.     

Sympathovagal balance,nighttime blood pressure,and QT intervals in normotensive obese women

OBJECTIVE: We describe associations among the heart-rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval, QTc dispersion (QTc-d), circadian BP variation, and autonomic function in obese normotensive women and the effect of sustained weight loss. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: In 71 obese (BMI = 37.14 +/- 2.6 kg/m(2)) women, 25 to 44 years of age, circadian BP variations (24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring), autonomic function (power spectral analysis of RR interval oscillations), and cardiac repolarization times (QTc-d and QTc interval) were recorded at baseline and after 1 year of a multidisciplinary program of weight reduction. RESULTS: Compared with nonobese age-matched women (n = 28, BMI = 23 +/- 2.0 kg/m(2)), obese women had higher values of QTc-d (p < 0.05) and QTc (p < 0.05), an altered sympathovagal balance (ratio of low-frequency/high-frequency power, p < 0.01), and a blunted nocturnal drop in BP (p < 0.01). In obese women, QTc-d and the QTc interval correlated with diastolic nighttime BP (p < 0.01) and sympathovagal balance (p < 0.01). Waist-to-hip ratio, free fatty acids, and plasma insulin levels correlated with QT intervals and reduced nocturnal drops in both systolic and diastolic BP and sympathovagal balance (p < 0.01). After 1 year, obese women lost at least 10% of their original weight, which was associated with decrements of QTc-d (p < 0.02), the QTc interval (p < 0.05), nighttime BP (p < 0.01), and sympathovagal balance (p < 0.02). DISCUSSION: Sustained weight loss is a safe method to ameliorate diastolic nighttime BP drop and sympathetic overactivity, which may reduce the cardiovascular risk in obese women.     

Is paternal age associated with an increased risk of low birthweight,preterm delivery,and multiple birth?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if paternal age elevates the risk of low birthweight (< 2500g, LBW), preterm birth (< 37 weeks gestation), and multiple gestation among mothers whose age does not predict an elevated risk. DESIGN/METHODS: Population data on birth outcome, maternal age and paternal age was obtained from Alberta Health and Wellness for all births 1990-1996. RESULTS: Among women aged 25 to 29, regardless of parity, there was no linear relationship between paternal age and preterm birth or LBW. However, multiple birth rates increased with increased paternal age (p < 0.01). Among singleton births, advanced paternal age (>50 years) increased the risk of LBW and preterm birth (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Paternal age is not a risk factor for LBW or preterm delivery among low risk women. The increased risk of multiple birth with increased paternal age, regardless of parity, requires confirmation among other populations.     

Low birthweight and prematurity in relation to paternal factors: a study of recurrence.

BACKGROUND: The importance of paternal determinants in the occurrence of low birthweight and prematurity is not well known. We investigated these outcomes in siblings and paternal half siblings as a function of changes in putative external determinants between two births in fathers who had experienced the birth of a premature and/or low birthweight (PTB/LBW) infant. METHODS: All fathers who, between 1980 and 1992, had an infant born before 37 completed weeks' gestation or weighing <2500 g and a following child were studied. We identified 14 147 pairs of siblings from Danish national registers. The recurrence risk was studied in three sub-cohorts defined by the outcome in the index child (PTB only, PTB/LBW, LBW only). We estimated the recurrence risk in the younger sibling according to changes of female partner, municipality type, occupation, and father's social status. RESULTS: The overall recurrence risk was 16.7% for preterm delivery and 16.8% for LBW. Changing female partner was, as expected, associated with a reduction in the recurrence risk for both outcomes (RR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.27-0.60 for preterm delivery and RR = 0.38; 95% CI : 0.26-0.56 for LBW). None of the other studied factors was associated with changes in the recurrence risk. Fathers who changed partner had offspring with similar birthweight and gestational length between the three sub-cohorts, while a difference was evident in offspring to fathers whose female partner was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify any paternal factor of importance in the occurrence of LBW and preterm delivery.     

Intestinal FABP2 A54T polymorphism: association with insulin resistance and obesity in women

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the Ala54Thr genetic polymorphism of the fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) gene with insulin resistance and obesity. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: According to a sampling scheme based on BMI, 33 adult obese women (BMI > or = 30) and 30 adult normal-weight women (BMI > 18.5 and < 25 kg/m(2)) were recruited for this study. Women with chronic inflammatory diseases or acute pathology were excluded. Glucose, insulin, leptin, lipids, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) were measured in fasting plasma samples. Insulin resistance was estimated through the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance method. The Ala54Thr allelic variant was determined by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: The Thr54 allele was more frequent in obese than in nonobese women (47.0% vs. 31.7; p = 0.08). Among obese women, higher TNF alpha concentrations were found when comparing the Thr54/Thr54 genotype (30.0 +/- 7.1 pg/mL) with either the Ala54/Thr54 genotype (21.2 +/- 8.4 pg/mL) or the Ala54/Ala44 genotype (20.1 +/- 7.0 pg/mL) (p < 0.05). In addition, higher fasting plasma insulin and leptin levels were found among Thr54/Thr54 homozygotes compared with the other genotypes (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that the Ala54Thr polymorphism of the FABP2 gene is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The effect of this polymorphism might be mediated by elevated production of TNF alpha.     

低出生体重与产前检查质量的回顾性分析

目的 探讨新生儿低出生体重(LBW)(出生体重＜2500 g)发生率与产前检查质量的关系.方法 采用Kessner's评定方法,对2008年1月至2009年12月在西安交通大学医学院第一附属医院产科产前检查的2964例单胎活产孕妇中,进行《产前检查问卷》调查.剔除缺项≥5项的问卷,共计回收有效问卷2928份,回收率为98.79％.对符合纳入标准的2928例单胎活产儿孕妇的产前检查质量进行评价.按照产前检查质量标准,将其分为充分组(n=1262)、居中组(n=1502)和不足组(n=164).采取回顾性分析方法于产后(2～7)d,依照《孕产妇产前检查手册》或门诊及住院病历记录3组孕妇的一般情况及其产前检查、孕期患病和分娩等情况.采用非条件logistic逐步回归分析法分析与LBW发生的相关危险因素及其与产前检查质量的关系(本研究遵循的程序符合本院人体试验委员会所制定的伦理学标准,得到该委员会批准,征得受试对象知情同意并与之签署临床研究知情同意书).3组孕妇孕前体重指数(BMI)、本次妊娠胎数比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结果 LBW儿发生率在充分组、居中组和不足组分别为3.49％(44/1262),5.26％(79/1502)和19.51％ (32/164).产前检查不足组LBW儿发生率最高,与其他两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).LBW儿发生的相关危险因素包括:①孕妇年龄;②婚姻状况;③是否有妊娠合并症;④分娩地点;⑤孕期体重增加;⑥分娩孕周等,与产前检查质量密切相关(r=0.83,0.69,0.85,-0.68,-0.71,-0.74;P＜0.05).LBW儿发生与产次无相关性(r=0.26,P＞0.05).本组LBW儿与正常体重儿(≥2500 g)母亲的产前检查质量、年龄、婚姻状况、产次、是否有妊娠合并症、分娩地点、孕期体重增加、分娩孕周等比较,差异有统计学意义(x2=96.05,58.84,21.41,52.38,38.10,33.44,66.32,258.42;P＜0.05).与正常体重儿比较,LBW儿母亲孕期平均接受产前检查次数较少[(7.6±3.1)次vs.(5.4±2.9)次;t=9.16,P＜0.01];产前检查充分组较居中组LBW儿发生率低(OR=0.51,95％CI:0.35～0.72).调整孕妇年龄、孕期体重增加、妊娠并发症、产前检查医院类别及分娩孕周后,产前检查次数较少,仍是LBW儿发生的危险因素(OR=4.56,95％CI:3.02～6.84).结论 采用Kessner's评定方法评估产前检查质量相对客观准确,产前检查次数较少,是LBW儿发生的独立危险因素.     

The association of maternal low birthweight and infant low birthweight in a racially mixed population

The association between maternal low birthweight (LBW) and infant low birthweight has been explored in previous studies in mainly middle and upper income, Caucasian populations. This study investigated whether the association found in these populations is true in a racially mixed, low socio-economic group. A case-control methodology was used and estimates of association were derived by means of logistic regression analyses. Data were gathered for 167 LBW infant-mother dyads and 338 adequate weight infant-mother controls matched on race and parity. The odds of a LBW infant having a LBW mother were 80% more likely than for adequate weight infants (OR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.14-2.84). This association was stronger for Hispanic women and their infants than for Black or non-Hispanic White women and their infants. Women who were both preterm and LBW had the higher estimate of risk for infant LBW than women who were LBW due to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). As found in previous research, the estimate of association between maternal LBW and infant LBW was greater for those infants who were LBW due to IUGR than those who were LBW due to being premature. The question of whether maternal LBW is also associated with increased risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity is as yet left unanswered.     

Maternal prepregnant body mass index, duration of breastfeeding, and timing of complementary food introduction are associated with infant weight gain

BACKGROUND: Women who are overweight or obese before pregnancy breastfeed for shorter durations than do normal-weight women. These shorter durations may place infants of overweight and obese women at risk of not receiving the benefits of breastfeeding, which may include a reduced risk of overweight later in life. OBJECTIVE: We examined how maternal prepregnant body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) and infant feeding pattern are associated with infant weight gain. DESIGN: In this prospective, observational study, we used multiple regression analyses adjusted for potential confounding factors to examine these associations among 3768 mother-infant dyads from the Danish National Birth Cohort. RESULTS: In multiple regression analyses, increasing maternal prepregnant BMI, decreasing durations of breastfeeding, and earlier complementary food introduction were associated with increased infant weight gain. An interaction was identified for short durations of breastfeeding (<20 wk). Earlier complementary food introduction (<16 wk) was associated with greater infant weight gain; however, the timing of complementary food introduction did not increase infant weight gain at longer durations of breastfeeding (> or =20 wk). In this sample, prepregnant obesity (BMI > or = 30.0), short durations of breastfeeding, and earlier introduction of complementary food were associated with 0.7 kg of additional weight gain during infancy. CONCLUSIONS: Infant weight gain is associated with maternal prepregnant BMI and with an interaction between the duration of breastfeeding and the timing of complementary food introduction. Future investigations of the effects of breastfeeding on infant weight gain should account for all of these factors.     

Factors Predicting Birth Weight in a Low-Risk Sample: The Role of Modifiable Pregnancy Health Behaviors

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to examine background and modifiable pregnancy health behavior factors predicting infant birthweight in an economically and educationally disadvantaged sample with low medical risk. Methods: Participants were recruited from a family practice center in rural Appalachia. Participants: Over 220, predominantly Caucasian and lower SES women with low risk pregnancies were included in the sample. Data were collected through systematic chart review. Half of the women smoked during pregnancy and over 10% gave birth to low birth weight (LBW; < 2500 g) babies. Results: Compared with those who gave birth to normal weight newborns, women with LBW babies had more miscarriages, but did not differ significantly on other background factors. Women who delivered LBW babies gained less weight during pregnancy and were more likely to smoke than remaining women. After control for background factors, modifiable pregnancy health behavior factors (weight gain, prenatal care, smoking, alcohol and substance use) accounted for over 11% of birth weight variance, with nearly 7% attributable solely to smoking. Conclusions: Pregnancy smoking was the strongest behavioral predictor of LBW in this economically and educationally disadvantaged rural sample, suggesting that efforts to reduce LBW in similar populations should include targeting pregnancy smoking.     

C-反应蛋白、白细胞介素6与妊娠期糖尿病的胰岛素抵抗、血脂相关性研究

目的:探讨妊娠期糖尿病患者血清C-反应蛋(CRP)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)水平变化及其与胰岛素抵抗、血脂的关系。方法:采用放射免疫法测定妊娠24～28周无孕前肥胖的30例妊娠期糖尿病孕妇(GDM组)和30例正常妊娠晚期孕妇(正常妊娠组)的空腹血清IL-6水平,同时测定两组孕妇血清CRP、空腹血糖(FBS)、胰岛素(FINS)、C肽、总胆固醇(TG)和甘油三酯(TC)水平,并计算孕前体重指数(BMI)、胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IRI)以评价胰岛素抵抗程度。结果:两组孕妇空腹血清CRP、IL-6、FBS、F INS、C肽、HOMA-IRI、TG水平及孕前BMI比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01或P<0.05),而血清TC水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);CRP和IL-6的水平分别与HOMA-IRI、TG呈正相关性(r=0.886,0.792,P<0.05;r=0.685,0.767,P<0.05),与TC无相关性(P>0.05)。结论:在无孕前肥胖状况下,妊娠期糖尿病患者血清CRP、IL-6水平的升高与胰岛素抵抗、血脂指标异常有关。     

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with earlier termination of breast-feeding among White women

High prepregnant BMI is associated with reduced initiation and duration of breast-feeding (BF). To examine how gestational weight gain (GWG) might modify this association, over a 9-y period, we identified all women (n = 2783) who had attempted to breast-feed their newborns. From their medical records, we categorized them by prepregnant BMI [as underweight (<19.8 kg/m2), normal-weight (19.8-26.0 kg/m2), overweight (26.1-29.0 kg/m2) or obese ( >29.0 kg/m2)] and GWG [as below, within, or above the amount recommended by the Institute of Medicine]. Women with a normal BMI who gained within these recommendations served as the reference group in regression analyses, which were adjusted for confounding factors. Both normal-weight (P < 0.05) and obese (P < 0.01) women who exceeded the recommended GWG had higher odds of failing to initiate BF (defined as continuing to breast-feed at 4 d postpartum). Underweight (P < 0.05), overweight (P < 0.05), and obese (P < 0.01) women who exceeded the recommendations for GWG as well as obese women who gained within the recommendations (P < 0.01) had a higher risk of early discontinuation of exclusive BF. Only obese women who gained within or exceeded the recommendations (P < 0.01) for GWG had a higher risk of early discontinuation of any BF. Excessive GWG was associated with a measure of failure to initiate and/or sustain BF in all categories of prepregnant BMI. Thus, in addition to conceiving at a healthy weight, gaining the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy is also important for successful BF.     

Risk of low birthweight and prematurity among foreign-born mothers.

Data collected during postnatal visits were used to study the risk of low birthweight (LBW) and prematurity among foreign-born mothers and mothers born in Canada. 2,913 singleton live births were included in the analysis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for LBW and prematurity were estimated using a logistic regression model. Foreign-born mothers did not have a higher risk of LBW or prematurity as compared to native-born mothers (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.8-1.5; OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.7-1.4, respectively). For both LBW and prematurity, women in the intermediate category of length of stay (1-3 years) had a somewhat lower risk and women with the shortest length of stay (less than one year) had a slightly higher risk than women with the longest length of stay (more than 3 years). However, none of these results was statistically significant. Results of this study suggest that foreign-born mothers do not have a higher risk than Canadian-born mothers of bearing a LBW or premature infant. This finding differs from the widespread perception that immigrant mothers are at high risk for adverse birth outcomes.     

Obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in firefighters: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE: Obesity, despite being a significant determinant of fitness for duty, is reaching epidemic levels in the workplace. Firefighters' fitness is important to their health and to public safety. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We examined the distribution of BMI and its association with major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Massachusetts firefighters who underwent baseline (1996) and annual medical examinations through a statewide medical surveillance program over 5 years of follow-up. We also evaluated firefighters' weight change over time. RESULTS: The mean BMI among 332 firefighters increased from 29 at baseline to 30 at the follow-up examination (2001), and the prevalence of obesity increased from 35% to 40%, respectively (p < 0.0001). In addition, the proportion of firefighters with extreme obesity increased 4-fold at follow-up (from 0.6% to 2.4%, p < 0.0001). Obese firefighters were more likely to have hypertension (p = 0.03) and low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = 0.01) at follow-up. Firefighters with extreme obesity had an average of 2.1 CVD risk factors (excluding obesity) in contrast to 1.5 CVD risk factors for normal-weight firefighters (p = 0.02). Finally, on average, normal-weight firefighters gained 1.1 pounds, whereas firefighters with BMI > or = 35 gained 1.9 pounds per year of active duty over 5 years of follow-up. DISCUSSION: Obesity is a major concern among firefighters and shows worsening trends over time. Periodic medical evaluations coupled with exercise and dietary guidelines are needed to address this problem, which threatens firefighters' health and may jeopardize public safety.     

Pregnancy and Birth Outcome Improvements for American Indians in the Healthy Start Project of the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, 1998–2008

American Indians living in Michigan experience disproportionately high rates of infant mortality. This 11-year (1998–2008) cohort study evaluated impacts of a Healthy Start (HS) program administered by the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan (ITCM) on perinatal outcomes. Women who enrolled in ITCM’s HS program (“exposed”) were compared with non-enrolled (“unexposed”) for four outcomes: low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age, preterm birth, and inadequate prenatal care. To classify exposed and unexposed women and their children, Michigan vital records data were linked with HS enrollment records to identify participants and non-participants among all American Indian births. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for the four outcomes of interest. Analyses were stratified for high and low access to care based on Medically Underserved Area (MUA) designation for a woman’s county of residence. Of 4,149 American Indian births during the period, 872 were to women who enrolled prenatally in HS. Although unstratified analysis showed no differences between HS participants and non-participants, stratified analyses demonstrated that participants from MUA counties had decreased odds of LBW and inadequate prenatal care. Results suggest that in MUA counties where participants and non-participants are at similar risk for poor outcomes, HS may be reducing barriers and improving outcomes. In non-MUA counties participants had similar outcomes as non-participants. These results may reflect a wider disparity in risk factors between the two groups in non-MUA counties. The complex interplay among need, access, and benefit complicates analyses and suggests the importance of more in-depth and focused studies.     

What do women know about the risks of delayed childbearing?

BACKGROUND: Women aged 35 and older account for an increasing proportion of births and are at increased risk of pregnancy complications and poor infant outcomes. The objectives of the study were: 1) to determine what women know about delayed childbearing, including pregnancy complications and outcomes associated with low birthweight (LBW, < 2500 grams), preterm delivery (< 37 weeks) and multiple birth, and 2) to assess the characteristics of women with limited knowledge of risks. METHODS: A computer-assisted telephone interview survey was conducted with 1,044 randomly selected women who delivered their first live-born infant, between July 2002 and September 2003, in two urban centres, Calgary and Edmonton, in Alberta, Canada. RESULTS: The proportion of women aware of specific childbearing risks associated with advanced maternal age were as follows: conception difficulties (85.3%), multiple birth (24.0%), caesarean section (18.8%), preterm delivery (21.8%), and LBW (11.2%). Knowledge of specific developmental and health-related risks of suboptimal infant outcomes ranged between 18.0% and 46.5%. Logistic regression revealed that limited knowledge of maternal age-related pregnancy risks were associated with unplanned pregnancy (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.03-2.14), smoking (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.29-2.60) and non-use of fertility treatment (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.44-3.19). Characteristics associated with limited knowledge of the risks associated with suboptimal birth outcomes were: age 35-39 years (OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.35-6.58), less than post-graduate education (< or = high school OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.20-3.82), and not currently enrolled as a student (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.02-3.00). CONCLUSIONS: Many women are generally unaware of the potential consequences of delayed childbearing. There are missed opportunities in preconception counselling and education, which should be addressed to allow for more informed decision-making about family planning.