Differences in Weight Gain during Pregnancy by Nativity Status and Associated Factors: A Systematic Review

Background/Purpose: 

Researchers have studied the “Healthy Immigrant Effect” where foreign-born individuals in a given country often display better health than their local-born counterparts. Research in this area has abundantly observed the effects of this phenomenon on birth outcomes. In most cases, women present with obesity and other health complications. In this study, we explore differences in weight gain during pregnancy and birth outcomes by nativity. 

 

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Four databases, PubMED, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Social Work abstracts, were consulted using different search terms. A total of 7771 articles were found and 150 articles remained after conducting title search. Out of the 150 articles, an abstract search was conducted and identified 23 articles that were included in the literature review.

Findings:

Of 23 studies identified, several risks for adverse birth outcomes related to maternal nativity were identified. Examples of risks included longer gestational periods and heavier infants for foreign-born women compared to low birth weight for US-born women.

Implications: The review found that nativity was related to risk of birth outcome. Examining the role of nativity in future studies might lead to better explanations of health disparities and the within group heterogeneity among minority MCH populations.