Women's Health Commons^™

Association Between The Social Vulnerability Index And Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, Tetsuya Kawakita, Misa Hayasaka, Lindsay Robbins, Juliana Martins, George Saade

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Objective: To assess the association between the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and racial disparities in pregnancy outcomes across U.S. counties and to quantify these racial disparities.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using restricted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data sets, including natality data sets, fetal death data sets, and all-cause mortality data sets from 2016 to 2021. We limited analyses to Black or White individuals aged 15-44 years from 3,114 U.S. counties. Participants were categorized into quartiles based on county-level SVI. The primary outcome was maternal mortality rate while pregnant or within 42 days of the end of …

Exposure To Phthalates And Replacements During Pregnancy In Association With Gestational Blood Pressure And Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy, Erin E. Mcnell, Danielle R. Stevens, Barrett M. Welch, Emma M. Rosenthal, Suzanne Fenton, Antonia M. Calafat, Julianne Cook Botelho, Elena Sinkovskaya, Ann Przybylska, George Saade, Alfred Abuhamad, Kelly K. Ferguson

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates may increase risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Prior studies lack investigation of chemical mixtures, phthalate replacements, or key periods of susceptibility including early pregnancy. In the present study, we used a longitudinal approach to evaluate gestational exposure to phthalates and replacements, as both single-pollutants and mixtures, in association with blood pressure and diagnosis of preeclampsia or any HDP. The Human Placenta and Phthalates prospective pregnancy cohort includes 291 participants recruited from two U.S. clinics. Urinary metabolites of ten phthalates and replacements were quantified at up to 8 time points per individual …

Methodological And Clinical Concerns In The Study On Postpartum Hypertension Management, Takaki Tanamoto, Kyosuke Kamijo, Yusuke Tsutsumi, Tetsuya Kawakita

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

[Introduction] We read with interest the recent study by Rosenfeld et al.¹ However, we have several clinical and methodological concerns about this study.¹

First, this study's propensity score matching (PSM) lacked key clinical confounders, including perinatal risk factors and the highest systolic/diastolic blood pressures. Smoking, alcohol use, and multifetal gestation, which influence blood pressure during pregnancy,²,³ potentially affect both primary and secondary outcomes. Additionally, the authors did not report standardized mean differences before and after PSM, which are essential for assessing balance.⁴

Association Between The Intensity Of Exercise In The First Trimester And Early Second Trimester And The Risk Of Gestational Diabetes, Takaki Tanamoto, Misa Hayasaka, Tetsuya Kawakita

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Objective

Although some studies show that exercise decreases the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the optimal exercise intensity during pregnancy remains unclear. We examined GDM risk according to exercise intensity in pregnant individuals.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers‐to‐Be (nuMoM2b), a prospective study enrolling nulliparous individuals in the first trimester. Participants with pregestational diabetes or delivery before 20 weeks were excluded. Exercise intensity during the first (6–13 weeks’ gestation) and early second (16–21 weeks’ gestation) trimesters was categorized by metabolic equivalent of task hours per week (MET‐hr/week) as none, low intensity (< 7.5), moderate intensity (7.5–14.9), or high intensity (≥ 15). The primary outcome was GDM; secondary outcomes included preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm birth, small‐for‐gestational‐age birth, and stillbirth. Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a generalized linear mixed‐effects model with a Poisson distribution and robust error variance, controlling for the random effects of individuals and potential confounders.

Results …

Racial Disparities In Maternal Mortality Before, During, And After The Covid-19 Pandemic In The United States: A Difference-In-Difference Analysis, Kyosuke Kamijo, Misa Hayasaka, Tetsuya Kawakita

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background

This study aimed to examine changes in racial disparities in pregnancy-related and maternal mortality before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional study using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) data from January 2018 to June 2024. We focused on pregnancy-related and maternal mortality among Black and White individuals to examine racial disparities. The study periods were defined as pre-pandemic (January 2018-March 2020), pandemic (April 2020-March 2022), and post-pandemic (April 2022-June 2024). We applied interrupted time series analysis and difference-in-difference (DID) models …

Association Of Mean Arterial, Systolic, And Diastolic Blood Pressure Trends In Early Pregnancy With Superimposed Preeclampsia With Severe Features In Pregnancies Complicated By Chronic Hypertension, Tetsuya Kawakita, Justin M. Leach, George R. Saade, Kim Boggess, Lorraine Dugoff, Brenna L. Hughes, Joseph Bell, Kjersti Aagaard, Rodney K. Edwards, Kelly Gibson, David M. Haas, Lauren Plante, Torri Metz, Brian Casey, Sherri Longo, Matthew K. Hoffman, Kara K. Hoppe, Methodius Tuuli, Michelle Y. Owens, Heather Frey, Todd Rosen, Uma M. Reddy, Wendy Kinzler, Emily Su, Iris Krishna, Mary E. Norton, Daniel Skupski, Yasser Y. El-Sayed, Ronald Librizzi, Mounira Habli, Shauna Williams, Gabriella Pridjian, David S. Mckenna, Sarah Osmundson, Joanne Quinones, Zorina Galis, Lorie Harper, Namasivayam Ambalavanan, Jeff M. Szychowski, Alan T.N. Tita

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of longitudinal systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in early pregnancy with later development of superimposed preeclampsia with severe features in pregnancies complicated by mild chronic hypertension.

METHODS: This secondary analysis used data from the CHAP (Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy) trial, a multicenter randomized controlled trial that involved pregnant individuals with chronic hypertension. Participants were categorized based on the development of superimposed preeclampsia with severe features. Longitudinal blood pressure measurements from enrollment to the development of superimposed preeclampsia with severe features or delivery were assessed using regression models. …

Longitudinal Assessment Of Fetal Myocardial Performance Index In Normal Pregnancy Using Spectral Tissue Doppler, R. Horgan, E. Sinkovskaya, E. Kalafat, G. Saade, A. Abuhamad

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Objective

Although spectral tissue Doppler imaging is recognized as the optimal method for assessing the fetal myocardial performance index (MPI), longitudinal reference ranges for fetal MPI measured using spectral tissue Doppler have not been established. Our objective was to use spectral tissue Doppler data to establish gestational-age-specific reference ranges from 12–33 weeks for left and right ventricular fetal MPI.

Methods

This was a prospective longitudinal study of women aged 18–35 years, with a body mass index below 30 kg/m² and a singleton pregnancy conceived spontaneously. Fetal MPI measurements were obtained in the first, second and third trimesters and MPI was …

Group Antenatal Care Positively Transforms The Care Experience: Results Of An Effectiveness Trial In Malawi, Crystal L. Patil, Kathleen F. Noor, Esnath Kapito, Li C. Liu, Xiaohan Mei, Elizabeth Chodzaza, Genesis Chorwe-Sungani, Ursula Kafuulafula, Elizabeth T. Abrams, Allissa Desloge, Ashley Gresh, Rohan D. Jeremiah, Dhruvi R. Patel, Anne Batchelder, Heidy Wang, Jocelyn Faydenko, Sharon S. Rising, Ellen Chirwa

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

We developed and tested a Centering-based group antenatal (ANC) model in Malawi, integrating health promotion for HIV prevention and mental health. We present effectiveness data and examine congruence with only the Group ANC theory of change model, which identifies key processes as supportive relationships, empowered partners in learning and care, and meaningful services, leading to better ANC experiences and outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial at seven clinics in Blantyre District, Malawi, comparing outcomes for 1887 pregnant women randomly assigned to Group ANC or Individual ANC. Group effects on outcomes were summarized and evaluated using t-tests, Mann-Whitney, …

Consumption Of The Food Groups With The Revised Benefits In The New Wic Food Package: A Scoping Review, Qi Zhang, Priyanka T. Patel, Bidusha Neupane, Caitlin M. Lowery, Futun Alkhalifah, Faezeh Mahdavi, Esther May Sarino

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: On 18 April 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the first food package changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in over a decade, which reduced some food benefits (juice, milk, canned fish, and infant fruits and vegetables) and offered substitutes (cash-value vouchers (CVVs) or cash-value benefits (CVBs) to redeem for fruits and vegetables, cheese, soymilk, or other dairy products). Methods: To assess the impact of the changes on the consumption and redemption of these food groups, a systematic search was conducted, identifying 23 peer-reviewed publications between 2010 and 2024. …

Inflammatory Mediators And The Rage Pathway In Placental Tissues Of Pregnancies Complicated By Severe Preeclampsia, Neelima Chandra, Thomas D. Kimble, Kathleen R. Heim, Sharon M. Anderson, Andrew P. Wong, Andrea R. Thurman, Gustavo F. Doncel

CONRAD Publications

Introduction: Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex multisystem disorder of pregnancy associated with abnormal placentation, vascular anomalies, and systemic inflammation and hypertension. Previous research assessing inflammatory triggers of the condition used plasma, amniotic fluid, or explant samples. Studies using placental tissue from either vaginal or cesarean deliveries are confined to semiquantitative analysis using subjective scoring methods and generally involve a small sample size.

Methods: In this study, we have quantified the expression of inflammatory mediators by immunohistochemical image analysis of archived placental tissues obtained from cesarean delivery of preeclamptic, chorioamnionitic, and normal pregnancies.

Results: Among the inflammatory mediators, we found a …

Longitudinal Assessment Of Intravillous Arterioles In Normal Pregnancy Using Superb Microvascular Imaging, R. Horgan, E. Sinkovskaya, G. Saade, E. Kalafat, A. Heeze, A. Abuhamad

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Objective

To use superb microvascular imaging (SMI) to longitudinally evaluate blood flow in intravillous arterioles (IVA) in pregnancy, and to develop reference ranges for IVA pulsatility index (PI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) from 12 to 38 weeks' gestation.

Methods

The data for this study were obtained from the National Institutes of Health-funded Human Placenta Project. Eligible for inclusion were women aged 18-35 years, with a body mass index of <  30 kg/m², without comorbidities, with a singleton pregnancy conceived spontaneously and a gestational age of ≤ 13 + 6 weeks. Exclusion criteria were maternal or neonatal complications, fetal or umbilical cord anomalies, abnormal placental implantation and delivery <  37 weeks. Each participant underwent eight ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. Using SMI technology, the total number of IVA identified was recorded in a sagittal placental section at the level of cord insertion. The PI and PSV were measured in a total of six IVA (two in the central portion of the placenta, two peripherally towards the uterine fundal portion and two peripherally towards the lower uterine segment). Umbilical artery (UA)-PI was also obtained. Multilevel regression models were used to create reference ranges for IVA-PI and IVA-PSV at 12-38 weeks' gestation.

Results

A total of 90 women fulfilled the study criteria. IVA-PI decreased throughout pregnancy from a mean ± SD of 1.04 ± 0.23 in the first trimester (at 12-13 weeks) …

Timing Of Delivery In Preeclampsia: Time To Reconsider?, Rebecca Horgan, Ahmed S. Z. Moustafa, Mackenzie Mchugh, Tetsuya Kawakita, Baha Sibai, George Saade

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

The article discusses the need to reassess the timing of delivery in cases of preeclampsia, a condition affecting 2%–8% of pregnancies and linked to significant maternal and neonatal risks. It highlights that existing guidelines, primarily based on older studies, may not adequately reflect current clinical practices and advancements in neonatal care. The authors suggest that planned delivery at 34–36 weeks of gestation may offer maternal benefits without increasing short-term neonatal morbidity, while also emphasizing the importance of considering long-term outcomes for both mothers and infants. They advocate for further research, including large-scale randomized trials, to better understand the implications of …

Association Between Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes And Awareness Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Numom2b-Hhs Secondary Analysis, Elizabeth M. Wendl, Amanda A. Allshouse, Ashley Goodwin, Bri Hobbs, Philip Greenland, Lisa Levine, William Grobman, George R. Saade, Natalie Cameron, C. Noel Bairey Merz, Caroline Rouse, Sarah Rogan, Judith H. Chung, Lauren H. Theilen, National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute Numom2b Heart Health Study Network

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) affect 10%-20% of pregnancies and are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Objective

To determine whether the history of APO is associated with a person's awareness of their cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) 2-7 years postpartum.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter cohort study in which nulliparous pregnant people were enrolled in the first trimester and followed prospectively. Participants with a CRF (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and/or prediabetes/diabetes) at follow-up were included. We excluded participants with: pre-gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, dyslipidemia during the index pregnancy or subsequent pregnancy, and non-fasting blood draws. The exposure …

Impacts Of Ramadan Fasting During Pregnancy On Pregnancy And Birth Outcomes: An Umbrella Review, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Md Estiar Rahman, May Salama, Ali H. Ziyab, Wilfried Karmaus

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background

Despite a large number of primary research studies, and systematic and narrative reviews, there is no consensus on the impact of fasting during Ramadan while pregnant on pregnancy and birth outcomes. Currently, there is no evidence-based guideline for Muslim women regarding Ramadan fasting during pregnancy and clinicians cannot provide firm recommendations.

Objectives

To review the current evidence regarding the impact of Ramadan fasting during pregnancy on pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Search Strategy

We conducted an umbrella review of all systematic and narrative reviews examining the impacts of fasting during Ramadan while pregnant on pregnancy and birth outcomes by searching …

Anemia In Pregnant Women: Findings From Kuwait Birth Cohort Study, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Ali H. Ziyab, Majeda S. Hammoud, Reem Al-Sabah, Saeed Akhtar

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background Anemia is the most common hematologic disorder in pregnancy, affecting over one-third of pregnant women globally. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women and its associated factors in the Kuwait Birth Cohort study.

Methods The Kuwait birth cohort (n = 1,108) was a prospective study in which pregnant women were recruited during their second or third trimester. Data were collected through personal interviews during antenatal care visits, including data on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Blood samples were analyzed under strict quality control to measure various laboratory indicators. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) < 110 g/L. Predictors of anemia were categorized as underlying or direct factors, and logistic regression models were used to investigate their association with anemia.

Results …

The Role Of Doulas In The Health Care Continuum For Pregnant People With Substance Use Disorder: Perspectives Of Patients, Doulas, And Healthcare Providers, Dashaunda Taylor, Derek A. Chapman, Caitlin E. Martin, Cynthia C. F. Romero, Gerard Moeller

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objectives/Goals: The goals of this research are to 1) determine the prevalence of perinatal doula services use in Virginia, with a focus on individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), 2) evaluate awareness of doulas among pregnant and postpartum people with SUD, and 3) assess provider knowledge and interaction with doulas for the care of this population. Methods/Study Population: Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used to evaluate patient and healthcare provider knowledge regarding doula services and the patient–doula–healthcare provider relationship. Surveys and semi-structured interviews will be administered to doulas, pregnant and postpartum women, and healthcare providers in this mixed-methods …

Body Image Dissatisfaction, Positive Body Image, And Health Behaviors During Pregnancy: A Between-Trimester Comparison, Cassidy M. Sandoval

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Body image during pregnancy is a critical concern for maternal and fetal health, as it is associated with adverse health outcomes for mothers and neonates. Findings regarding if and how body image dissatisfaction changes during pregnancy are equivocal. A vast majority of studies examining body image during pregnancy focus on negative aspects of body image (e.g., body dissatisfaction), and there are limited studies of positive body image during pregnancy. Although the literature examining body image’s association with mental health concerns during pregnancy is well-developed, there is far less research exploring associations with physical health. Given these notable gaps, the present …

Exploring The Intersection Of Sexual Identity And Route Of Administration In Relation To Cannabis Use Among Young Adult Females, Sarah J. Ehlke, Samantha A. Fitzer, Jennifer L. Shipley, Abby L. Braitman

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background and Objective: Rates of cannabis use continue to increase with sexual minority women (SMW) reporting greater use than heterosexual women. Along with these increasing trends, the routes of administration (ROA) for cannabis are evolving. The current study examined associations between cannabis ROA and frequency of use, as well as differences across sexual identity (heterosexual vs. SMW).

Methods: Participants were 949 young adult (18–25 years old) women (29.8% SMW) who reported past month cannabis use and were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Number of cannabis use days and each ROA used (joint, pipe, blunt, bong, vape, edible, and ointment) in …

Antenatal Depression And Its Associated Factors: Findings From Kuwait Birth Cohort Study, Reem Al-Sabah, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Ali H. Ziyab, Saeed Akhtar, Majeda S. Hammoud

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Pregnant and postpartum women are at high risk of depression due to hormonal and biological changes. Antenatal depression is understudied compared to postpartum depression and its predictors remain highly controversial.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and investigate factors associated with this condition including vitamin D, folate and Vitamin B₁₂ among participants in the Kuwait Birth Study.

Methods: Data collection occurred as part of the Kuwait Birth Cohort Study in which pregnant women were recruited in the second and third trimester during antenatal care visits. Data on antenatal depression were collected using the Edinburgh …

Sex Differences In The Association Between Cardiac Vagal Control And The Effects Of Baroreflex Afferents On Behavior, Xiao Yang, Jacob Chaney, Aaron S. David, Fang Fang

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. While sex differences in CVD have been well documented, the physiological mechanisms of those sex differences remain unclear. As important components of the cardiovascular system, cardiac vagal control and baroreflex serve as mechanisms of sex differences in CVD and are modifiable factors for gender-specific CVD preventions. Methods: Ninety-four healthy adults (18–44 years of age; M_age = 21.09 years; 46 female) were recruited to complete the assessments of heart rate variability (HRV) at a resting baseline and the cardiac timing effect on an R-wave-locked reaction time (RT) …

A Single Bout Of Breast Milk Expression Does Not Increase Resting Metabolic Rate, Leryn J. Reynolds, Kayla R. Powell, Taskina Akhter, Hannah M. Twiddy, Patrick B. Wilson

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Introduction: Breastfeeding women have elevated resting metabolic rate (RMR); however, whether a single bout of lactation increases RMR is unknown. This study aimed to determine if a single bout of lactation acutely increased RMR.

Methods: Twenty-two lactating women (age: 31 ± 0.9 year, body mass index: 27.3 ± 1.2 kg/m²) were recruited. RMR was assessed at baseline and at 1- and 2-h following breast milk expression.

Results: RMR was unchanged in lactating women following a single bout of lactation (baseline: 1437 ± 39; 1 h: 1425 ± 37 2 h: 1440 ± 31 kcal/day) (p > .05). RMR was …

Community Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives On Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Use Among Black Women, Kayla Pitchford, Sylvia Shangani, Charlotte Dawson, Kristin Heron

College of Sciences Posters

The most at-risk population among women for HIV diagnosis in the U.S. are Black women, who account for 61% of all new HIV cases. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe and effective HIV prevention method for people at risk of HIV acquisition. Despite being disproportionately affected by HIV, Black women’s knowledge, perceived benefits, and uptake of PrEP remain low. The socio-ecological model may be useful for understanding why there is a low uptake of PrEP among Black women by examining the complex interplay between individual, relationship, community, and societal factors. The current study used the socio-ecological framework to explore provider …

Impact Of Treating Maternal Periodontal Disease On The Risk Of Preterm Birth And Low Birth Weight: An Umbrella Review Of Systematic Reviews, May Salama, Abdullah Al-Taiar

College of Health Sciences Posters

Pregnancy involves complex physical and hormonal changes that significantly impact almost every organ system, including the oral cavity. The presence of oral disease in women has consequences for both their child and their health. The two main oral conditions linked to pregnancy are gingivitis and periodontal disease. Several studies have demonstrated that there is a positive association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). PTB and LBW are among the leading causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. It has been hypothesized that periodontal disease may cause PTB and/or LBW either …

Virtual Home Visits During Covid-19 Pandemic: Mothers' And Home Visitors' Perspectives, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Michele A. Kekeh, Stephanie Ewers, Amy L. Prusinski, Kimberly J. Alombro, Nancy Welch

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background

The experiences of mothers enrolled in Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program with virtual home visiting (VHV) during the pandemic remain mostly unknown. This study aimed to describe in detail the experience of home visitors and mothers with VHV during COVID-19 pandemic. This is a prerequisite for guiding future efforts to optimize MIECHV services that are provided through virtual operation.

Methods

Focus groups discussion were conducted with home visitors (n = 13) and mothers (n = 30) who were enrolled in BabyCare program in Virginia from January 2019 to June 2022. This included mothers who received …

Effect Of Positive Emotion Intervention During Late Pregnancy On Improving Colostrum Secretion: A Randomised Control Trial Protocol, Kechen Xu, Ying Xie, Xiujun Han, Ying Yu, Suqing Liu, Suliu Wu, Qian Yang, Qi Zhang

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Introduction Though evidence has revealed the beneficial effects of cognitive improvement interventions on breastfeeding, the effect of psychological interventions has rarely been studied. This study aims to test whether promoting a positive emotion intervention, 'Three Good Things' intervention, during the last trimester of pregnancy can enhance early colostrum secretion and breastfeeding behaviours by modulating the hormones associated with lactation (prolactin and insulin-like growth factor I). We will attempt to promote exclusive breastfeeding by using physiological behavioural measures.

Methods and analysis This study is designed as a randomised controlled trial conducted in the Women's Hospital School of Medicine at Zhejiang University …

My Baby, My Move+: Feasibility Of A Community Prenatal Wellbeing Intervention, Jenn A. Leiferman, Rachael Lacy, Jessica Walls, Charlotte V. Farewell, Mary K. Dinger, Danielle Symons Downs, Sarah S. Farrabi, Jennifer L. Huberty, James F. Paulson

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background

Excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG), insufficient prenatal physical activity and sleep, and poor psychological wellbeing independently increase risks for adverse maternal and infant outcomes. A novel approach to mitigate these risks is utilizing peer support in a community-based prenatal intervention. This study assessed the feasibility (acceptability, demand, implementation, and practicality) of a remotely delivered prenatal physical activity intervention called My Baby, My Move + (MBMM +) that aims to increase prenatal physical activity, enhance mood and sleep hygiene, and reduce EGWG.

Methods

Participants were recruited through community organizations, local clinics, and social media platforms in the Fall of 2020 …

Prenatal Perception Of Wic Breastfeeding Recommendation Predicts Breastfeeding Outcomes In Infant's First Year, Joanne Guthrie, Qi Zhang, Kelin Li, Kathryn Wouk, Rajan Lamichhane

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objectives

Promoting breastfeeding (BF) is a priority of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Prior research found that pregnant mothers who believed WIC recommends BF only (versus BF and formula equally OK) were more likely to initiate BF and continue through 1 month postpartum. We examine whether such mothers are more likely to continue to exclusively BF through 5 months and BF at all through the infant's first year. Methods

Data are from the WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 (ITFPS-2), a longitudinal study that includes 2,649 mothers who completed prenatal interviews. Four BF …

Reproductive Regrets Among A Population-Based Sample Of U.S. Women, Arthur L. Greil, Michele H. Lowry, Andrea R. Burch, Kathleen Slauson-Blevins, Nicholas Park, Julia Mcquillan

Sociology & Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Women have many reproductive options, but little is known about their regrets regarding prior reproductive choices and outcomes. Guided by the life-course and stratified reproduction perspectives, this study draws on an open-ended question about reproductive regrets from wave I of the National Survey of Fertility Barriers, a representative telephone survey of reproductive aged U.S. women conducted from 2004 to 2006. The authors classified regrets into five broad categories: (1) none, (2) problematic fertility, (3) unfulfilled fertility desires, (4) family, and (5) pregnancy experiences. The authors conducted the analyses separately by motherhood status. Logistic regression analysis revealed that regardless of parental …

Internalization Of Appearance Ideals And Not Religiosity Indirectly Impacts The Relationship Between Acculturation And Disordered Eating Risk In South And Southeastern Asian Women Living In The United States, Sonakshi Negi, Erik M. Benau, Megan Strowger, Anne Claire Grammer, C. Alix Timko

Psychology Faculty Publications

Objective: Studies that examine disordered eating in samples of Asian individuals living in the United States frequently combine all individuals of Asian descent into a single group, which can obscure important differences between groups and their experiences of acculturation. The goal of the present study was to establish the relation of acculturation, internalization of appearance ideals, and religiosity as predicting body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in women of South and Southeast Asian (SSEA) descent.

Method: Women of SSEA descent (N = 112) aged 18–51 years (M = 23.10, SD = 6.4) completed a battery of questionnaires that inquire about these …

A Scoping Review Of Behavior Change Techniques Used To Promote Physical Activity Among Women In Midlife, Danielle Arigo, Kelly A. Romano, Kristen Pasko, Laura Travers, M. Cole Ainsworth, Daija A. Jackson, Megan M. Brown

Psychology Faculty Publications

Women in midlife experience health risks that could be mitigated by regular physical activity and reduced sedentary time, but this population rarely achieves physical activity levels that would protect their health. As a result, many behavioral interventions are designed to promote physical activity in this population, which are purportedly guided by theoretical models of health behavior (change) and activate an associated set of behavior change techniques (BCTs). The efficacy and effectiveness of these interventions appear to be limited, however, raising questions about their design and adaptation for women in midlife. Several aspects of these interventions are currently unclear. Specifically, which …