Sociocultural factors that affect pregnancy outcomes.

Title
Sociocultural factors that affect pregnancy outcomes in two dissimilar immigrant groups in the United States.

Source
Journal of Pediatrics. 148(3):341-6, 2006 Mar.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare perinatal risks and outcomes in foreign- and U.S.-born Asian-Indian and Mexican women.

RESULTS:

With the exception of increased teen pregnancy and tobacco use, the favorable sociodemographic profile and increased rate of adverse outcomes seen in foreign-born Asian Indians persisted in their U.S.-born counterparts. In contrast, foreign-born Mexicans had an adverse sociodemographic profile but a low incidence of low birth weight (LBW), whereas U.S.-born Mexicans had an improved sociodemographic profile and increased LBW, prematurity and neonatal death.

CONCLUSIONS:

Perinatal outcomes deteriorate in U.S.-born Mexican women. In contrast, the paradoxically increased incidence of LBW persists in U.S.-born Asian-Indian women. Further research is needed to identify the social and biologic determinants of perinatal outcome.