Birth Outcomes

Association of Participation in a Supplemental Nutrition Program with Stillbirth by Race, Ethnicity, and Maternal Characteristics

Abstract Background: Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has been associated with lower risk of stillbirth. We hypothesized that such an association would […]

The Impact of Maternal BMI, Gestational Weight Gain, and Breastfeeding on Early Childhood Weight: Analysis of a Statewide WIC Dataset

Abstract Early childhood obesity is a persistent health concern with more frequent and significant impact on low-income families. Maternal weight factors impact offspring weight status, but evidence on whether breastfeeding […]

Women from Racial or Ethnic Minority and Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds Receive More Prenatal Education: Results from the 2012 to 2014 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

Abstract Background: Racial or ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in adverse birth outcomes are well known, but few studies have examined disparities in the receipt of prenatal health education. The objectives […]

Short Interpregnancy Intervals and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes by Maternal Age in the United States

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of the article was to examine the association between short interpregnancy intervals and adverse outcomes by maternal age among U.S. women. Methods: Using publicly available natality […]

The Impact of Prenatal WIC Participation on Infant Mortality and Racial Disparities

This study assessed the impact of WIC services on improving birth outcomes and reducing racial disparities. Results showed that the infant mortality rate (IMR) was lower for WIC participants than for non-WIC participants. For African Americans, the IMR of WIC participants was much lower than that of non-WIC participants. For whites, IMR and preterm birth rates were not improved by WIC participation.

Length of Prenatal Participation in WIC and Risk of Delivering a Small for Gestational Age Infant: Florida, 1996–2004

The objective of this study was to assess the association between length of prenatal participation in the WIC Program and a marker of infant morbidity. The researchers found that the risks of delivering a small for gestational age, very preterm, or late preterm infant significantly decreased with WIC participation for a small dose response relationship.

Does WIC Work? The Effects of WIC on Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes

This paper evaluated the skepticism that WIC research failed to properly control for selection into the WIC Program, using rich data from the national Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. The authors showed that relative to Medicaid mothers, all of whom were eligible for WIC, WIC participants were negatively selected on a wide array of observable dimensions, yet WIC participation was associated with improved birth outcomes.

Racial Differences in Birth Outcomes and Costs in Relation to Prenatal WIC Participation

This study analyzed birth outcomes and the cost of infant hospitalization at delivery for black and non-black Medicaid clients, in relation to their level of prenatal participation in the WIC Program. Based on the results, prenatal WIC participation was associated with lower Medicaid costs and better birth outcomes, particularly for blacks.

Time from Pregnancy Recognition to Prenatal Care and Associated Newborn Outcomes

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between newborn outcomes and late prenatal care initiation after recognition of pregnancy. Results revealed that the average time lag from pregnancy recognition to prenatal care was not associated with poor newborn outcomes.

Effects of Federal Nutrition Program on Birth Outcomes

The authors examines the impact of the WIC Program on birth outcomes. They found that rather than affecting average outcomes, WIC was more effective in reducing the probability of high-risk births, for example, very premature and low-birth weight babies. The potential benefits of the WIC Program can be realized by enhancing its focus on more disadvantaged mothers.