Open AccessChanges in the Health Status of Women During and After Pregnancy
Author(s) -
Haas Jennifer S.,
Jackson Rebecca A.,
FuentesAfflick Elena,
Stewart Anita L.,
Dean Mitzi L.,
Brawarsky Phyllis,
Escobar Gabriel J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.746
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1525-1497
pISSN - 0884-8734
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2004.40097.x
Subject(s) - medicine , pregnancy , postpartum period , cohort , cohort study , public health , obstetrics , demography , ethnic group , observational study , nursing , genetics , pathology , sociology , anthropology , biology
Objective: To characterize the changes in health status experienced by a multi‐ethnic cohort of women during and after pregnancy. Design: Observational cohort. Setting/Participants: Pregnant women from 1 of 6 sites in the San Francisco area ( N =1,809). Measurements and Main Results: Women who agreed to participate were asked to complete a series of telephone surveys that ascertained health status as well as demographic and medical factors. Substantial changes in health status occurred over the course of pregnancy. For example, physical function declined, from a mean score of 95.2 prior to pregnancy to 58.1 during the third trimester (0–100 scale, where 100 represents better health), and improved during the postpartum period (mean score, 90.7). The prevalence of depressive symptoms rose from 11.7% prior to pregnancy to 25.2% during the third trimester, and then declined to 14.2% during the postpartum period. Insufficient money for food or housing and lack of exercise were associated with poor health status before, during, and after pregnancy. Conclusions: Women experience substantial changes in health status during and after pregnancy. These data should guide the expectations of women, their health care providers, and public policy.