Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2016
Body Mass Index as a Measure of Obesity: Racial Differences in Predictive Value for Health Parameters During Pregnancy.
As a measure of obesity, body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) is an imperfect predictor of health outcomes, particularly among African Americans. However, BMI is used to guide prenatal care. We examined racial differences in the predictive value of maternal BMI for physiologic correlates of obesity, serum interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as cesarean section and infant birth weight. ⋯ BMI may be a less valid predictor of correlates of overweight/obesity among African Americans versus European Americans during pregnancy. This should be considered in epidemiological studies of maternal-child health. In addition, studies examining the comparative validity of alternative/complementary measures to define obesity in pregnancy are warranted to inform clinical care.
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Journal of women's health · Dec 2016
Chronic Diseases and Use of Contraception Among Women at Risk of Unintended Pregnancy.
Women with chronic diseases are at increased risk of having unintended pregnancies. Little is known whether chronic diseases are associated with increased likelihood of effective/highly effective contraceptive use. ⋯ Self-reported use of effective/highly effective contraception was higher than nonuse or use of less effective methods among all women at risk of unintended pregnancy, but could be improved, especially among women with chronic diseases.