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Updated: Aug 26, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Maternal support in the delivery room and birthweight among African-American women
Antoine Alexandra Lespinasse1, Richard J David, James W Collins
1Mattapan Community Health Center, Mattapan, MA 02126, USA. LespinasseD@aol.com
Objectives:
We performed a hospital-based case control study of African-American mothers to explore the relationship between maternal support by a significant other in the delivery room and very low birthweight (VLBW).
Methods:
We administered a structured questionnaire to mothers of VLBW (less than 1,500 g; N=104) and normal birthweight (greater or equal to 2,500 g; N=208) infants.
Results:
The odds ratio for VLBW comparing women without social support in the delivery room to those with a companion was 3.5 (2.1-5.8). Several traditional risk factors were not associated with VLBW, but older maternal age and perceived racial discrimination were.
Conclusions:
Maternal support in the delivery room or factors closely associated with it significantly decreases the odds of delivering a VLBW infant for African-American women.
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