Birth Outcomes to Foreign Born Mothers in Minnesota by Race and Ethnicity

Minnesota has experienced a great influx of immigrants and refugees from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Births in Minnesota reflect this trend with the percent of births to foreign-born mothers increasing from 5.4% of all births in 1990 to 17.5% in 2005. This study examines the differences in birth-related indicators between foreign-born and U.S. born mothers who were residents of Minnesota and gave birth between the years 1990 and 2005. Data on birth country of mother, education of mother, weight and gestational age of infant at birth, and prenatal care received are analyzed. Results indicate that foreign born mothers are younger and less likely to receive prenatal care than their U.S. born counterparts in Minnesota. However, foreign-born mothers tend to have better outcomes than U.S. born mothers in Minnesota.