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. 2002 Aug;92(8):1312-8.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.92.8.1312.

Women's health after pregnancy and child outcomes at age 3 years: a prospective cohort study

Robert S Kahn  1 , Barry Zuckerman, Howard Bauchner, Charles J Homer, Paul H Wise
Affiliations

Women's health after pregnancy and child outcomes at age 3 years: a prospective cohort study

Robert S Kahn et al. Am J Public Health. 2002 Aug.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the persistence and comorbidity of women's physical and mental health conditions after pregnancy and the association of these conditions with child outcomes.

Methods: A national cohort of women who recently gave birth were surveyed in 1988 and again in 1991. We examined longitudinal data on maternal poor physical health, depressive symptoms, and smoking, and maternal report of child outcomes (at age approximately 3 years).

Results: Women's poor physical health and smoking had strong, graded associations with children's physical health and behavior problems, whereas women's depressive symptoms were associated with children's delayed language and behavior problems.

Conclusions: Substantial persistence and comorbidity of women's health conditions exist after pregnancy with adverse effects on early child outcomes. Child health professionals should support services and policies that promote women's health outside the context of pregnancy.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
—Women’s persistent poor physical health, depressive symptoms, and smoking, by income quintile: 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey and 1991 Longitudinal Follow-Up.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Laurence KM, James N, Miller M, Tennant G, Campbell H. Double blind randomized control trial of folate treatment before conception to prevent recurrence of neural-tube defects. BMJ. 1981;282:1509–1511. - PMC - PubMed

Publication types