Does Partner Support Improve Pregnancy Outcomes for Mistimed Births among Black Teen Mothers?

Background

Black Non-Hispanic teenage girls have been highlighted as population at greatest risk for poor maternal and child health outcomes. However, the role of the father in pregnancy among Black teens with mistimed births and birth outcomes was less studied. 

Methods

National representative data from Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), conducted by CDC 2009-2011, was examined to analyze all mistimed teen births for Black females (N=1333), ages 15-17. Partner support was examined as a dichotomous variable. Outcomes examined were low birth weight, preterm birth, maternal health behaviors, breastfeeding and postpartum depression. SAS software version 9.3 Complex Survey Modules were utilized for all analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented with Rao-Scott chi-square tests, and odds ratios with logistic regression were utilized to examine the association.

Results

Among Black teen mothers with mistimed births, 56% reported having supportive partners. Teen mothers having partner support were less likely to experience low birth weight births [OR:.63, 95% CI:(.44-.88)]. Having partner support was also associated with less postpartum depression (p<.05). No significant association was found between partner support status and smoking during pregnancy, early prenatal care, attempts at breastfeeding and premature births.

Conclusions

Having supportive partner relationship during pregnancy may contribute to improvement of maternal and infant well-being postpartum among Black teen mothers with mistimed births. Including the father in education and interventions for Black teen mothers may play a role in improving both maternal and child health outcomes. A potential role for partner can be emphasized in policies for health education and health promotion.