Strategies for the prevention of low birth weight

Article Abstract:

Fetal birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds (2,500 grams), termed low birth weight (LBW), is the leading cause of fetal and infant death in the US. Since the LBW rate has not changed, the decrease in infant mortality seen over the years is better explained by the increase in survival of LBW infants. Although efforts to reduce the incidence of LBW were made by improving the health status of pregnant women, the number of very low birth weight infants has increased. Newer, more effective approaches to prevent LBW must be found. It is already known that women who are of low socioeconomic status, unemployed, uninsured, with limited food and prenatal care resources are at risk for LBW pregnancies. Other known risk factors include race (blacks are two times more likely to have LBW infants), previous LBW pregnancies, young age, poor nutrition and lack of prenatal care. A variety of interventions providing social, medical and behavioral support have been instituted to reduce LBW. Prevention strategies should improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of LBW on the cellular level. Access to prenatal care can be improved by lifting current financial barriers to health care. Research should be aimed at investigating the mechanisms involved in preterm labor, which causes the early delivery of low birth weight infants. Controlled studies should be performed to test potential interventions. Integrating the efforts of multidisciplinary research teams will reduce information fragmentation and improve strategies for the prevention of LBW. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prevention, Birth weight, Low, Low birth weight

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Pregnancy-associated hospitalizations in the United States in 1991 and 1992: a comprehensive view of maternal morbidity

Article Abstract:

The rate of hospitalization for pregnancy complications may have fallen from 1986 to 1992, but it is not clear whether overall prenatal health is improving. A recent trend to expand the definition of maternal illness to include accidents, drug overdoses, psychiatric problems and other conditions not directly associated with pregnancy may improve maternal health monitoring. Researchers reviewed hospitalization records for 1991 and 1992, and found that there were 18 hospitalizations for every 100 births, mostly for preterm labor. Hospitalization rates were much higher in black women.

Health aspects, Statistics, Pregnant women, Hospitalization, Hospital care

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Hyperemesis gravidarium: Epidemiologic findings from a large cohort

Article Abstract:

A study is undertaken to quantify the frequency, clinical course, charges and outcomes of hyperemesis gravidarium. Hyperemesis occurs in 473 of 100,000 live births and is associated with significant charges while infants of mothers with hyperemesis have lower birth weights and the mothers are more likely to have infants that are small for gestational age.

United States, Surveys, Hyperemesis gravidarum

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