Women who experience adverse pregnancy outcomes may have higher health-related social needs
Adverse pregnancy outcomes—such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, low birth weight and preterm birth—are associated with risks of further complications, chronic disease and cardiovascular disease. They also disproportionately affect Black and Latina women.
A new study by researchers at Mass General Brigham reveals that adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia and low birth weight, experienced by Black and Latina women are associated with significantly higher health-related social needs. These needs encompass areas like education, transportation, food security, financial strain, employment, and social support.
The researchers argue that integrating social needs assessments into postpartum care could improve long-term maternal health and decrease disparities. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from the BUSY-BP cohort study, which included 883 previously pregnant Black and Latina women, of whom 45.3% experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The findings suggest that the burden of health-related social needs, particularly those related to education, is linked to a higher rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further research is needed to determine cause and effect and to identify interventions that can enhance health outcomes for these women and their babies.
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