The Complex Problem of Preterm Birth

Background

• Differences in maternal race/ethnicity are associated with differences in incidence of preterm birth
• Risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities and recurrent health problems persist in early childhood, and behavioral problems may persist even into adolescence
• Consequently, identifying women at risk for preterm birth is crucial

Literature

• Maternal height has been associated with preterm birth and is considered a predictor of operative delivery
• Previous studies have not established a standard definition of short or tall stature, which varies across race/ethnicity groupings
• Studies have also shown that body mass index (BMI) differences contribute to variations in risk of preterm birth

Study Goal

• Conduct an analysis of a large population-based cohort in the context of:
  • normal BMI (18.5-24.9)
  • With the following potential stratifications:
    • race/ethnicity
    • maternal age
    • Parity