By Samir Soneji and Hiram Beltran-Sanchez, JAMA Network, December 4, 2019
Key Points
Question: Is receipt of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children benefits during pregnancy associated with preterm birth and infant mortality among low-income expectant mothers in the United States?
Findings: In this cohort study of 11 148 261 pregnant women with Medicaid coverage between 2011 and 2017, the proportion who also received Women, Infants, and Children benefits during pregnancy decreased from 79.3% in 2011 to 67.9% in 2017. However, receipt of those benefits was associated with decreased preterm birth and infant mortality among low-income women.
Meaning: Findings from this study suggest that greater emphasis on supplemental nutrition benefits could reduce the burden of preterm birth and infant mortality among low-income expectant mothers, who represented 42.9% of all expectant mothers in the United States.
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