FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INADEQUATE PRENATAL-CARE DURING THE 2ND PREGNANCIES AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

A longitudinally linked data set for Georgia was used to identify char acteristics, including previous prenatal care use and complications at the first birth, associated with prenatal care use in the second preg nancy among 8,224 African-American women. More than 70% of the women w ho were <25 years of age at their first birth (younger women) and almo st 40% of women who were greater than or equal to 25 years at their fi rst birth received inadequate care with at least one of their first tw o births. Women who received inadequate care in their first pregnancy were more likely to receive inadequate care in their second pregnancy than women who received adequate care in their first pregnancy. Younge r women with a history of a stillbirth, neonatal death, or vacuum extr action were less likely to receive inadequate care in their subsequent pregnancy. Although this study was not able to evaluate the content o f prenatal care, it suggested that many African-American women may not receive sufficient care to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women who receive inadequate care in their first pregnancy must be targeted for interventions that help them overcome economic, situational, or at titudinal barriers to receiving adequate care in their next pregnancy.