Associations Between Preterm Birth, Low Birth Weight, and Postpartum Health in a Predominantly Hispanic WIC Population

ObjectiveTo describe the postpartum health of predominantly Hispanic participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and identify how health characteristics differ between mothers who delivered preterm or low birth weight infants and those who did not.DesignCross-sectional survey among postpartum WIC mothers.SettingLos Angeles and Orange Counties, CA.ParticipantsWIC participants within 1 year of delivery (n = 1,420).Main Outcome MeasuresPostpartum health behaviors, health characteristics, and birth spacing intentions and behaviors.AnalysisFrequencies of health characteristics were estimated using analyses with sample weights. Differences were assessed with chi-square and Fisher exact tests with Bonferroni correction for pairs of tests.ResultsMany women exhibited postpartum risk factors for future adverse health events, including overweight or obesity (62.3%), depressive symptoms (27.5%), and no folic acid supplementation (65.5%). Most characteristics did not differ significantly (P > .025) between mothers of preterm infants and full-term infants or between mothers of low birth weight and normal birth weight infants.Conclusions and ImplicationsDespite few differences between postpartum characteristics of mothers who delivered preterm or low birth weight infants and those who did not, a high percentage of mothers had risk factors that need to be addressed. Current postpartum educational activities of WIC programs should be evaluated and shared.