Intensive Approaches to Prenatal Care May Reduce Risk of Gestational Diabetes

To observe gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) prevalence among participants receiving enhanced prenatal care through one of three care models: Birth Centers, Group Prenatal Care, and Maternity Care Homes. This study draws upon data collected from 2014 to 2017 as part of the Strong Start II evaluation and includes data from nearly 46,000 women enrolled across 27 awardees with more than 200 sites throughout the United States. Descriptive and statistical analyses utilized data from participant surveys completed upon entry to the program and a limited chart review. A total of 6.3% of Strong Start participants developed GDM during their pregnancy. Rates varied significantly and substantially by model. After adjusting for participant risk factors, we find that Birth Center participants of all races and ethnicities experienced significantly lower rates of GDM than women of the same race/ethnicity in Maternity Care Homes. The lower rates of gestational diabetes among women receiving Birth Center prenatal care suggest the need for further investigation of how prenatal care approaches can reduce GDM and address health disparities.