Ohio State-led support program suggests a reduction in preterm birth and infant mortality

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/m-oss011821.php

 

News Release 19-Jan-2021
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

 

New research suggests a unique program called Moms2B at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center shows a reduction in adverse pregnancy outcomes in communities disproportionately affected by these public health issues.

The study, led by researchers Courtney Lynch and Erinn Hade and published in the Journal of Maternal and Child Health, indicates that women who attended at least two Moms2B sessions may have lower rates of preterm birth, low birth weight and infant mortality compared to women who only received individual care.

"When we started the program 10 years ago, the infant mortality rate was as high as 19 per 1,000 births in some of these neighborhoods. Now it's down to 10 per 1,000," said Dr. Patricia Gabbe, founder and director of the Moms2B program and pediatrician at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. "This kind of success has never happened before and wouldn't be possible without our community collaborations."

More than 22,000 babies die before their first birthday each year in the U.S. and the infant mortality rate is twice as high among Black babies compared to white babies. However, experts say many of these deaths are preventable, and prevention starts with taking care of expectant mothers and empowering them to deliver full-term, healthy babies.


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