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Marriage still protects pregnancy
Kaisa Raatikainen1, Nonna Heiskanen, Seppo Heinonen
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland.
BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|September 20, 2005
Summary
Pregnancy outside marriage in the 1990s was linked to a 20% increase in adverse outcomes like preterm birth and low birthweight. This association persisted despite high-quality maternity care, highlighting socioeconomic factors.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- Pregnancy outside marriage was common in the 1990s, with high standards of maternity care available.
- Understanding the outcomes of extramarital pregnancies is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess risk factors and outcomes of pregnancy outside marriage during the 1990s.
- To determine if socioeconomic factors influence adverse pregnancy outcomes in unmarried mothers.
Main Methods:
- Hospital-based cohort study of 25,373 singleton pregnancies in Finland.
- Calculated odds ratios (ORs) and used multiple logistic regression to analyze pregnancy outcomes.
- Main outcome measures included small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants, preterm birth, and low birthweight (LBW).
Main Results:
- Unmarried status was associated with social disadvantage, unemployment, smoking, and previous terminations.
- Significantly higher rates of SGA infants (45% absolute difference), preterm births (17.5%), and LBW infants (26%) were observed in unmarried mothers.
- Adjusted ORs for adverse outcomes remained significant for unmarried, cohabiting, and single women.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy outside marriage was associated with a 20% increase in adverse outcomes in the 1990s.
- Free maternity care did not eliminate the increased risk for unmarried mothers.
- Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in adverse pregnancy outcomes for extramarital pregnancies.