Length of Pregnancy and Birthweight Between Black and White Women

The pregnancies of Black women are complicated by adverse outcomes, such as prematurity and low birthweight, at twice the rate of complications in pregnancies of White women (Taylor, Katz, & Moos, 1995). Early access to and adequate utilization of prenatal care services are essential for successful pregnancy and birth outcomes (Rowley, 1994). The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in length of pregnancy and birthweight between Black and White women at risk for preterm birth in a Preterm Delivery Prevention Program. A chart review of 79 clients enrolled in the Preterm Delivery Prevention Program from September 1, 1996 through August 31, 1997 for ages 14 – 40 was done. There were no statistically significant differences in the length of gestation and newborn birthweights between Black and White women. Further research needs to be done to explore why there was no disparity between Black and White females