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Trends in fertility and infant and maternal health - United States, 1980-1988

Article Abstract:

Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant cause of death, disability, and illness among newborn babies. Teenaged and unmarried mothers are at much greater risk of having small babies, and since 1985 the number of young mothers has increased rapidly. In 1988 more than one million infants were born to unmarried mothers, more than one quarter of all babies born that year. These infants are at high risk because their mothers often suffer poor health caused by poverty, poor nutrition, and lack of access to health care. Eighteen percent of white infants and 63 percent of black infants are born to unmarried women. The highest rate of childbirth occurred among unmarried black women, but the greatest increase (51 percent between 1980 and 1988) in the rate occurred among white women. This may indicate an increase in such births, or a decrease in the abortion rate. Many of these women received little or no prenatal care. Early prenatal care helps to prevent premature birth and low birth weight, but even among those who receive prenatal care, the incidence of LBW infants is consistently higher for black women than for white women. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Demographic aspects, Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Prenatal care, Body weight

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State-specific pregnancy and birth rates among teenagers - United States, 1991-1992

Article Abstract:

Rates of pregnancy and birth among teenage girls appear to be dropping. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that pregnancy rates dropped 2% to 15% in 31 states between 1991 and 1992. The greatest drop occurred in 15- to 17-year-olds. Birth rates and abortion rates also dropped. Birth rates dropped significantly in 20 states and abortion rates dropped significantly in 31 states. Blacks and Hispanics had higher birth rates. Overall, the national birth rate among 15- to 19-year-olds dropped 2% in 1992 after a 24% increase over the previous six years. Pregnancy rates in those under 15 dropped in only one state.

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National and State-Specific Pregnancy Rates Among Adolescents--United States, 1995-1997

Article Abstract:

The number of teenage pregnancies decreased in the late 1990s both nationally and at the state level. This decline is associated with a greater use of condoms and other forms of contraception.

Statistical Data Included

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