Maternal exposure to unexpected economic contraction and birth weight for gestational age.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The macro-level economy may affect fetal health through maternal behavioral or physiologic responses.

Methods

We used a multilevel design to examine associations between exposure to state-level unexpected economic contraction during each trimester of gestation and birth weight for gestational age percentile and small for gestational age (SGA), using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. We examined differences in observed associations by maternal educational attainment, race/ethnicity, employment status, and poverty status.

Results

Exposure in the first trimester was associated with a 3.7 percentile point decrease in birth weight for gestational age (95% confidence interval [CI] = -6.8 to -0.6). This association appeared stronger for women "keeping house" or with <12 years education. Exposure in the first trimester was also associated with increased odds of SGA (odds ratio = 1.5 [95% CI = 1.1 to 2.1]) and term SGA (odds ratio = 1.6 [95% CI = 1.2 to 2.3]).

Conclusions

Unexpected economic contraction during early pregnancy may be associated with reduced fetal growth.

SUBMITTER: Margerison-Zilko CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3587175 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature