Discrimination against pregnant women can have a serious impact on both the mother and the baby’s health, according to a recent study.

The research found that pregnant women who faced discrimination were more likely to give birth prematurely and have a baby who is overweight.

The Study

The study was conducted by Deirdre Quinn, an assistant professor at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Quinn analyzed data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a program that collects information on maternal behaviors and experiences before, during and after pregnancy, in addition to infant health outcomes. Data came from 79,727 women who gave birth in 2016 and 2017 across the United States and were asked about their discrimination experiences.

Quinn found that 5% of women surveyed reported experiencing discrimination related to their pregnancy. These women were more likely to be younger, unmarried, black or Hispanic, and have lower levels of education and income.

Relationship between Discrimination and Premature Births

Results revealed that discrimination was associated with a 17% increase in the risk of premature birth.

Premature births, which occur before 37 weeks of pregnancy, can lead to a host of complications, including respiratory problems, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and even death.

Quinn explained that discrimination could have a negative psychological impact on mothers, triggering stress responses that affect pregnancy outcomes.

Research has identified a clear link between stress and preterm birth due to the release of hormones like corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which can trigger early contractions. Discrimination can increase stress levels, and the chronic stress experienced by some pregnant women may lead to preterm birth.

Relationship between Discrimination and Overweight Infants

The research also found a link between discrimination and overweight infants.

Infants born to mothers who experienced discrimination were 60% more likely to be overweight at birth, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile. Children who are overweight at birth face a higher risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life.

Quinn explained that stress-induced changes to the mother’s metabolism and behavior during pregnancy can affect the fetal environment, possibly influencing the development of the newborn’s metabolism.

These changes may increase the risk of obesity in the infant.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing discrimination against pregnant women. Pregnant women need support, not stigma, which can directly and indirectly impact the health of their babies.

Pregnant women who feel singled out and discriminated against during pregnancy may benefit from intervention strategies targetting stress reduction.

Overall, the study provides evidence that discrimination experienced by pregnant women can have potentially devastating outcomes for their children, underscoring the need for health care providers to implement routine screenings for discrimination and interventions for those at risk.