preterm birth

Adolescents Born Preterm Were Less Likely to Engage in Unhealthy Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on by Jodi Snare

Adolescents who were born preterm were less likely to report unhealthy behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent ECHO Cohort study led by Michael O’Shea, MD, MPH, of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected many adolescents’ mental health, daily routines, and social lives. Some adolescents may have been especially vulnerable, including those born preterm (<37 weeks). Previous research suggests adolescents born preterm may be less likely to take part in unhealthy behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or using marijuana.

Using data from more than 2,000 adolescents participating from 13 ECHO Cohort Study Sites across the United States, researchers compared self-reported measures of health and well-being among adolescents born at different stages of pregnancy. Participants completed surveys between March 2020 and March 2023 that assessed overall health, life satisfaction, and sense of meaning and purpose.

ECHO researchers looked at self-reported surveys from over 2,000 adolescents from thirteen ECHO Cohort Study Sites across the United States to better understand how adolescents born at different stages of pregnancy coped with the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed surveys about changes in healthy behaviors, unhealthy behaviors, social connection, and how the pandemic affected their lives between April 2022 and June 2022.

Compared with adolescents born at term, adolescents born preterm were less likely to say they drank alcohol, used marijuana, or took part in at least one unhealthy behavior. Healthy or prosocial behaviors were common across all adolescents included in this study. More than half of the adolescents reported doing at least one positive activity, such as spending more time with family, reading, doing puzzles, practicing mindfulness, or talking with others. Girls born preterm showed more pronounced differences in positive and unhealthy behaviors. Girls born extremely preterm (<28 weeks) were more likely to report healthy or prosocial behaviors. Adolescents born moderate or late preterm (between 28 and 37 weeks) reported feeling more socially connected during the pandemic, compared to before the pandemic, but they were also more likely to say the pandemic had a negative overall effect on their lives.

The findings of this study suggest that adolescents employed multiple strategies to cope with the psychological stressors associated with the pandemic and that adolescents born preterm, as compared to those born at term, were less likely take part in an unhealthy behavior and equally likely to take part in a healthy coping behavior.

The study authors suggest that in future national crises similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, these findings may help physicians and parents be better prepared to support adolescents, including adolescents born preterm. Additional studies could also help researchers identify counseling strategies that support healthy coping, family communication, and adolescent well-being during future pandemics, natural disasters, or other major disruptions.

This collaborative research, titled “Child health-related behaviors, social connectedness, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children born preterm in the ECHO Cohort,” is published in BMC Pediatrics.

Adolescents Born Preterm Were Less Likely to Engage in Unhealthy Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Adolescents Born Preterm Were Less Likely to Engage in Unhealthy Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors: Michael O’Shea, et al.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Compared with adolescents born at term, adolescents born preterm were less likely to say they drank alcohol, used marijuana, or took part in at least one unhealthy behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Adolescents born moderate or late preterm (between 28 and 37 weeks) reported feeling more socially connected during the pandemic, compared to before the pandemic, but they were also more likely to say the pandemic had a negative overall effect on their lives.

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Adolescents Born Preterm Were Less Likely to Engage in Unhealthy Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Who sponsored this study?

The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health supported this research.

 

Why was this study needed?

The COVID-19 pandemic affected many adolescents’ mental health, daily routines, and social lives. Some adolescents may have been especially vulnerable, including those born preterm (<37 weeks). Previous research suggests adolescents born preterm may be less likely to take part in unhealthy behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or using marijuana. ECHO researchers wanted to know whether adolescents born preterm responded to the pandemic differently from adolescents born at term. They looked at health-related behaviors, social connection, and how adolescents felt the pandemic affected their lives.

 

What were the study results?

Adolescents born preterm were less likely to report unhealthy behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with adolescents born at term, adolescents born preterm were less likely to say they drank alcohol, used marijuana, or took part in at least one unhealthy behavior. Healthy or prosocial behaviors were common across all adolescents included in this study. More than half of the adolescents reported doing at least one positive activity, such as spending more time with family, reading, doing puzzles, practicing mindfulness, or talking with others.

Girls born preterm showed more pronounced differences in positive and unhealthy behaviors. Girls born extremely preterm (<28 weeks) were more likely to report healthy or prosocial behaviors. Adolescents born moderate or late preterm (between 28 and 37 weeks) reported feeling more socially connected during the pandemic, compared to before the pandemic, but they were also more likely to say the pandemic had a negative overall effect on their lives.

 

What was the study's impact?

The findings of this study suggest that adolescents employed multiple strategies to cope with the psychological stressors associated with the pandemic and that adolescents born preterm, as compared to those born at term, were less likely to take part in an unhealthy behavior and equally likely to take part in a healthy coping behavior. The study authors suggest that in future national crises similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, these findings may help physicians and parents be better prepared to support adolescents, including adolescents born preterm. Additional studies could also help researchers identify counseling strategies that support healthy coping, family communication, and adolescent well-being during future pandemics, natural disasters, or other major disruptions.

 

Who was involved?

The study included 2,135 adolescents age 13 to 21 years and their caregivers from 13 ECHO Cohort Study Sites. Of these participants, 419 were born extremely preterm, 118 were born moderate or late preterm, and 1,598 were born at term.

 

What happened during the study?

Participants completed ECHO COVID-19 questionnaires between April 2020 and June 2022. The questionnaires asked adolescents about changes in healthy behaviors, unhealthy behaviors, social connection, and how the pandemic affected their lives. Researchers compared responses from adolescents born extremely preterm, adolescents born moderate or late preterm, and adolescents born at term. They also considered factors such as age, timing of questionnaire completion, caregiver education, and differences by child sex.

Footnote: Results reported here are for a single study. Other or future studies may provide new information or different results. You should not make changes to your health without first consulting your healthcare professional.

 

Where can I learn more?

Access the full journal article, titled “Child health-related behaviors, social connectedness, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children born preterm in the ECHO Cohort,” in BMC Pediatrics.

The content is the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Published July 20, 2026

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Teens Born Extremely Preterm Report Positive Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on by Jodi Snare

Teens who were born extremely preterm—before 28 weeks of pregnancy—reported overall health similar to their peers born at term during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new ECHO Cohort study led by Elisabeth McGowan, MD, of Brown University. The findings suggest that many teens born extremely early may experience positive well-being and resilience, even during times of significant disruption.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed daily life for children and teens across the United States. School closures, reduced social activities, and changes to family routines raised concerns about how young people were coping emotionally and socially. Researchers were particularly interested in understanding how these challenges affected teens born preterm, who are often considered at greater risk for health and developmental difficulties.

Using data from more than 4,000 teens participating in the ECHO Cohort, researchers compared self-reported measures of health and well-being among teens born at different stages of pregnancy. Participants completed surveys between March 2020 and March 2023 that assessed overall health, life satisfaction, and sense of meaning and purpose.

The researchers found that teens born extremely preterm reported overall health similar to peers born at term. After accounting for demographic differences, they also reported higher life satisfaction and a stronger sense of meaning and purpose. Participants born moderately preterm or late preterm reported levels of well-being similar to those born at term.

These findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that being born very early does not necessarily lead to poorer self-reported quality of life or well-being later in life. The results also highlight the importance of asking young people directly about their experiences and perspectives rather than relying solely on medical or developmental measures.

“Positive health attributes have the potential to provide resilience and help mitigate negative exposures or experiences,” said Dr. McGowan. “By understanding characteristics that lead to resilience, particularly among high-risk groups of children, we hope to allow for identification as well as replication of strategies that help buffer against times of stress.”

McGowan noted that more studies are needed to better understand why some teens born extremely preterm report positive well-being. Future research could examine how factors such as ongoing health challenges, mental health, family support, school environments, and community resources may shape their experiences.

The study included 4,093 biological mother-child pairs from 38 ECHO Cohort Study Sites across the United States. Participants were ages 10–18 years and provided information about their health and well-being during the pandemic.

The study, “Self-reported Positive Health Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Adolescents Born Preterm in the ECHO Cohort,” was published in the Journal of Perinatology.

ECHO Study Finds No Strong Overall Link Between Exposure to Gas Stoves, Mold, or Water Damage During Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes

Posted on by Jodi Snare

Having a gas stove, mildew or mold, or water damage in the home during pregnancy was not associated with shorter pregnancy duration or lower birth weight, according to a recent ECHO Cohort study led by Deborah Bennet, PhD, and Jiwon Oh, PhD, of University of California, Davis.

While outdoor air pollution has been linked to adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight, less is known about the effects of common indoor household exposures during pregnancy such as gas stoves, mold or mildew, and water damage. These exposures can contribute to indoor air pollution or damp conditions that may affect maternal and fetal health.

Overall, the results of this study found no strong overall link between these household exposures and outcomes like preterm birth or birth weight, when looking at the full study population. Using kitchen ventilation, such as a hood or fan, also did not appear to change these results.

However, some differences were seen in certain groups. For example, mold or mildew and water damage were linked to a higher likelihood of early term birth (37-38 weeks) in homes built after 1980, and mold exposure was associated with a higher chance of preterm birth among mothers with higher education. Other patterns varied by race and ethnicity.

These findings suggest that indoor air quality during pregnancy may not have a strong association with birth outcomes overall, but that housing and social factors may influence how these exposures affect health.

“Although the presence of gas stoves, mold, or water damage in the home during pregnancy was not associated with adverse birth outcomes in this population-based study, frequent ventilation through windows or doors is recommended to reduce exposure to potentially harmful indoor air pollutants,” said Dr. Bennett.

Researchers say future studies could provide more details about indoor conditions, including how often gas stoves are used, how well homes are ventilated, and how severe mold or water damage may be.

This collaborative research, titled “Prenatal Exposure to Gas Stoves, Mold, and Water Damage: Associations With Gestational Duration and Fetal Growth in the ECHO Cohort,” is published in Environmental Pollution.

ECHO Study Finds No Strong Overall Link Between Exposure to Gas Stoves, Mold, or Water Damage During Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes

ECHO Study Finds No Strong Overall Link Between Exposure to Gas Stoves, Mold, or Water Damage During Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes

Authors: Jiwon Oh, Deborah Bennet, et al

 

Who sponsored this study?

The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health supported this research.

 

Why was this study needed?

Environmental exposures during pregnancy can affect fetal growth and length of pregnancy. While outdoor air pollution has been linked to adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight, less is known about the effects of common indoor household exposures during pregnancy such as gas stoves, mold or mildew, and water damage. These exposures can contribute to indoor air pollution or damp conditions that may affect maternal and fetal health. ECHO researchers wanted to better understand whether these common household conditions during pregnancy are associated with the duration of pregnancy or fetal growth in a large, diverse U.S. population.

 

What were the study results?

Overall, having a gas stove, visible mold or mildew (outside of showers or bathtubs), or water damage in the home during pregnancy was not associated with shorter pregnancy duration or lower birth weight. Some differences appeared in subgroup analyses, particularly by home age, but these findings were secondary and should be interpreted with caution. Mold or mildew and water damage were associated with a higher likelihood of early term birth (37–38 weeks) in homes built after 1980, a pattern not seen in older homes. Use of kitchen ventilation (such as a hood or fan) did not appear to change the relationship between gas stove use and birth outcomes.

 

What was this study's impact?

These findings suggest that indoor air quality during pregnancy may not have a strong association on birth outcomes overall. Because housing conditions and other life circumstances can shape how environmental exposures affect pregnancy, these results underscore the importance of looking at the bigger picture when studying possible health risks.

 

Who was involved?

The study included 11,483 mother–infant pairs from 31 ECHO Cohort Study Sites across the United States. Births occurred between 2000 and 2023, with most occurring after 2016. The study brings together data from people living in many parts of the U.S. and from a wide range of backgrounds.

 

What happened during the study?

Mothers reported whether they had a gas stove, visible mold or mildew, or water damage in the home where they lived for most of their pregnancy. Researchers used medical records and reports to measure pregnancy length and infant birth weight. Statistical models were used to examine whether these household exposures were associated with length of pregnancy or fetal growth, while accounting for factors such as maternal age, education, race and ethnicity, smoking during pregnancy, and pregnancy-related health conditions.

Footnote: Results reported here are for a single study. Other or future studies may provide new information or different results. You should not make changes to your health without first consulting your healthcare professional.

 

What happens next?

Future studies could build on these findings by collecting more detailed information about indoor environmental conditions, such as how often gas stoves are used, ventilation effectiveness, and the location and severity of mold or water damage. Additional research may also help clarify why certain groups or housing types appear to show a stronger association.

 

Where can I learn more?

Access the full journal article, titled “Prenatal Exposure to Gas Stoves, Mold, and Water Damage: Associations With Gestational Duration and Fetal Growth in the ECHO Cohort,” in Environmental Pollution.

 

The content is the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

 

Published June 15, 2026

Read the associated article.

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ECHO Study Finds No Strong Overall Link Between Exposure to Gas Stoves, Mold, or Water Damage During Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes

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Teens Born Before 28 Weeks of Pregnancy Report Positive Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Teens Born Before 28 Weeks of Pregnancy Report Positive Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors: Elisabeth McGowan, et al.

 

Who sponsored this study?

The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health supported this research.

 

Why was this study needed?

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted children’s daily lives, schooling, social connections, and family routines in ways that may have affected their mental health and overall well-being. Teens who were born before 28 weeks of pregnancy, which is considered extremely preterm birth, are often thought to be at higher risk for health and developmental challenges. Prior studies found that many people who were born early say their quality of life is about the same as people born at full term. Less is understood about how teens born preterm feel about their health and well-being during the major stress and disruptions of the pandemic. ECHO researchers wanted to understand whether teens born early experienced the pandemic differently than their peers and whether they showed signs of resilience during this challenging time.

 

What were the study results?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents born extremely preterm reported overall health similar to adolescents born at term. After accounting for key demographic factors, they also reported higher life satisfaction and a stronger sense of meaning and purpose. Adolescents born moderately (born at 28-33 weeks) or late preterm (born at 34-36 weeks) did not differ meaningfully from those born at term. These findings suggest that, in this study, adolescents born extremely preterm showed signs of positive well-being during a difficult period.

 

What was the study's impact?

This study highlights that adolescents born extremely preterm may have strengths and resilience that are not captured by focusing only on medical risks or challenges. These findings challenge assumptions that children born very early will report worse well-being and highlight the importance of asking young people directly how they view their own health and lives.

 

Who was involved?

Participants included 4,093 biological mother and child pairs from 38 ECHO Cohort Study Sites across the United States, including adolescents born preterm (less than 37 weeks) and adolescents born at term (more than 37 weeks). The children, ages 10–18 years, had data about how far along the pregnancy was when they were born and at least one self-reported survey on well-being collected between March 2020 and March 2023.

 

What happened during the study?

Researchers used ECHO Cohort data to compare positive health outcomes reported by adolescents based on how early or full-term they were born. Adolescents completed validated PROMIS questionnaires (Pediatric Global Health, Life Satisfaction, and Meaning and Purpose) during the pandemic period (March 2020–March 2023).

Footnote: Results reported here are for a single study. Other or future studies may provide new information or different results. You should not make changes to your health without first consulting your healthcare professional.
 

What happens next?

Future research could help researchers explore why teens born extremely early may report better well-being by looking at things like ongoing health challenges, depression or anxiety, and the support they receive at home, at school, and in their communities.

 

Where can I learn more?

Access the full journal article, titled “Self-reported Positive Health Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Adolescents Born Preterm in the ECHO Cohort,” in the Journal of Perinatology.

 

The content is the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Published April 27, 2026

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Teens Born Before 28 Weeks of Pregnancy Report Positive Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Wildfire Smoke Exposure During Pregnancy Linked to Higher Risk of Preterm Birth, ECHO Study Finds

Posted on by Jodi Snare

Study highlights increased risk, especially in Western states and during intense smoke events

Exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, especially in the Western United States and during periods of intense or prolonged smoke, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health’s Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program.

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, raising concerns about their impact on public health. While previous studies suggested a link between wildfire smoke and preterm birth, ECHO’s research built on this by studying a diverse population from prospective cohort sites nationwide. Researchers also looked closely at the role of exposure intensity, duration, and timing.

“Our study adds to growing evidence that wildfire smoke is a concern for maternal and child health. Incorporating wildfire smoke considerations into prenatal care and public health guidance could help expecting parents protect themselves during smoke events, especially in areas where wildfires are common,” said Allison Sherris, PhD, of the University of Washington.

Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 births between 2006 and 2020 at 30 study sites across the U.S. They matched daily levels of air pollution from wildfire smoke (fine particulate matter, or PM2.5) to each participant’s home address during pregnancy. They tracked both the average amount of smoke and the number of “smoke days,” as well as “smoke waves”—stretches of consecutive days with high smoke levels.

The team used statistical methods to compare pregnancies week by week and adjusted for many factors, including maternal age, race, ethnicity, neighborhood poverty, season of conception, birth year, and more.

Key Findings

  • Widespread Exposure: Nearly all pregnant participants (99.2%) experienced at least one day of wildfire smoke, with an average of 22 smoke days during pregnancy.
  • Preterm Birth Risk: The overall rate of preterm birth was 8.4%, with higher rates among Black (11.7%) and American Indian or Alaska Native (13.5%) participants compared to White (7.6%) and Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (8.0%) participants.
  • Link Between Smoke and Preterm Birth: For every 1 microgram per cubic meter (µg/m³) increase in average wildfire PM2.5 during pregnancy, the odds of preterm birth increased by about 7%. The association was even stronger in the Western U.S., where wildfire smoke is more intense and frequent.
  • Intensity and Duration Matter: The risk of preterm birth was higher with more intense smoke and longer-lasting smoke events. The strongest associations were seen for mid-pregnancy exposure to lower levels of smoke and late-pregnancy exposure to high-intensity smoke days.
  • Critical Windows of Vulnerability: Certain periods during pregnancy—especially mid-pregnancy for lower-intensity smoke and late pregnancy for high-intensity smoke—were linked to the greatest risk increases for preterm birth.

“Preterm birth has strong implications for future child health. Better understanding of how to prevent preterm birth will pay off as a healthier population into the future,” said Catherine Karr, MD, PhD, of the University of Washington.

The study points to the need for more research on why some regions or groups may be more affected, how wildfire smoke combines with other risks like extreme heat, and which prevention strategies work best. It also highlights the importance of public health agencies and healthcare providers offering ways to help keep pregnant people safe during wildfire events.

This collaborative research was published in The Lancet Planetary Health.

About ECHO
The ECHO Cohort Consortium is a research program supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the mission to enhance the health of children for generations to come. ECHO Cohort investigators study the effects of a broad range of early environmental influences on child health and development. For more information, visit echochildren.org.

Media Contacts

For information or to request an interview, contact Rebekah Yeager,  rebekah.yeager@nih.gov.

If you are not a member of the media, but have a general inquiry, please contact  NIHKidsandEnvironment@od.nih.gov.

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Wildfire Smoke Exposure May Be Linked to Higher Risk of Preterm Birth, ECHO Study Finds

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Wildfire Smoke Exposure May Be Linked to Higher Risk of Preterm Birth, ECHO Study Finds

Authors: Allison Sherris, et al.

 

Who sponsored this study?

The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health supported this research.

 

Why was this study needed?

Wildfire smoke exposure is a growing threat to public health in the United States. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke may be more harmful than other kinds of ambient air pollution because of the chemicals it’s made of and how these chemicals interact with the body. Pregnant women and the developing fetus may be particularly sensitive to the effects of wildfire PM2.5. Previous studies have associated wildfire smoke with preterm birth. This study builds on previous work by including a large number of participants from across the country, accounting for other risk factors, and looking closely at how the timing, intensity, or duration of smoke exposures affects birth outcomes.

 

What were the study results?

Nearly all pregnant participants (99.2%) experienced at least one day of wildfire smoke, with an average of 22 smoke days during pregnancy. The study found that higher average wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy was linked to a slight increase in risk for preterm birth. The connection was clearer in the Western U.S., especially with more intense or longer-lasting smoke events. Preterm birth was also associated with exposure to smoke days in mid-to-late pregnancy at the national level.

 

What was this study's impact?

The study highlighted that exposure to wildfire-specific PM2.5, particularly at higher intensities and durations, is a risk factor for preterm birth. This is especially relevant in the Western U.S., where associations were more pronounced.

 

Who was involved?

The study included 20,034 pregnant participants who gave birth between 2006 and 2020, recruited from 30 ECHO Cohort Study Sites with residences during pregnancy in all 48 contiguous US states and the District of Columbia across the U.S.

 

What happened during the study?

The study tracked how much wildfire smoke pregnant participants were exposed to based on where they lived. Researchers looked at both the amount and duration of smoke, including stretches of smoky days in a row. They then used statistical methods to see if greater smoke exposure was linked to a higher risk of preterm birth, while also accounting for other health and social factors.

Footnote: Results reported here are for a single study. Other or future studies may provide new information or different results. You should not make changes to your health without first consulting your healthcare professional.

 

What happens next?

Future research could help identify regional differences in the effects of wildfire exposure, how wildfire smoke interacts with other risks like extreme heat, which parts of the smoke are most harmful, and how well different prevention strategies work to reduce exposure and related health outcomes.

 

Where can I learn more?

Access the full journal article, titled “Wildfire-specific fine particulate matter and preterm birth: a US ECHO Cohort analysis,” in Lancet Planetary Health.

The content is the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

 

Published November 3, 2025

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Wildfire Smoke Exposure May Be Linked to Higher Risk of Preterm Birth, ECHO Study Finds

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Pre-, Peri-, and Postnatal

ECHO Participants and Investigators Featured in The Washington Post

Posted on by Jodi Snare

The Washington Post recently featured the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program in a story on phthalates—chemicals commonly found in plastics and personal care products—and how they may affect babies’ development during pregnancy.

The article highlighted ECHO participants who are helping researchers understand how chemical exposures during pregnancy and throughout the life course may influence pregnancy outcomes and child health. ECHO participants Arica Nyamsi and Cassondra Perez shared a range of experiences with chemical exposures, from making significant lifestyle changes to expressing uncertainty and a need for clearer guidance.

Sheela Sathyanarayana, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, explained that determining safe levels of phthalate exposure is challenging because individual health risks vary based on genetics and susceptibility.

The story also featured ECHO investigator Dr. Leonardo Trasande of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, who noted in the article:

“Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are one of the biggest global health threats of our time. And 2 percent of us know about it — but 99 percent of us are affected by it.”

Chemical exposures will be a focus at the ECHO Symposium: Translating Science to Action on September 15, 2025. During the first session, Dr. Trasande will discuss phthalate exposure in pregnancy and early childhood, focusing on the evidence, knowledge gaps, and opportunities to inform policies, practices, and programs. Mrs. Perez will also speak during the third session on her experience as an ECHO participant.

Learn more about ECHO’s ongoing research on chemical exposures. Also, review the full symposium agenda for details and register to attend this free event either in-person or virtually.

Pregnancy Diet Patterns and their Associations with Birth Outcomes Differ Across Racial and Ethnic Groups

Posted on by Jodi Snare

Dietary patterns during pregnancy can affect maternal blood sugar levels and birth outcomes, with important differences depending on racial and ethnic backgrounds, according to a recent ECHO Cohort study led by Luis E. Maldonado, PhD, MPH, of the University of Southern California.

Which combination of foods most influences blood sugar and birth outcomes during pregnancy remains unclear, especially across different racial and ethnic groups. Studying these differences is important because, although diet is known to affect birth outcomes, variations in dietary patterns may help explain disparities—for example, Hispanic women in the U.S. face higher rates of preterm birth and low birthweight compared to non-Hispanic White women.

“Our findings show it’s important to look at how diet affects birth outcomes in different racial and ethnic groups separately, especially in diverse communities,” said Dr. Maldonado. “Combining all racial and ethnic groups into one might hide important differences in how diet relates to birth outcomes for each group.”

Researchers analyzed data from over 980 pregnant women—420 Hispanic and 564 non-Hispanic White participants—from two ECHO Cohort study sites. Their aim was to identify how different combinations of food related to blood sugar and birth outcomes such as preterm birth and low birthweight.

Key takeaways

  • Diets high in refined grains (like white bread or white rice) and low in whole grains were linked to babies being born earlier, smaller, or with low birthweight.
  • Analyzing dietary patterns within specific racial and ethnic groups revealed stronger associations with negative birth outcomes than when looking at the combined group.
  • Among non-Hispanic White women, whole grains were most strongly associated with better blood sugar control.
  • Fruit was linked to higher blood sugar levels among Hispanic participants.
  • Solid fats and nuts and seeds were associated with lower blood sugar levels in both groups.

The study underscores the value of considering dietary patterns separately within racial and ethnic groups to better understand how diet affects pregnancy outcomes. Future research can build on these findings by continuing to explore culturally relevant dietary patterns in diverse populations, helping uncover associations that may be missed in broader, combined analyses.

This collaborative research, titled “Racial/Ethnic-Derived Maternal Diets Predict Birth Outcomes Better than a Diet Derived from a Combined Sample among Hispanic/Latina and non-Hispanic White Pregnant Individuals in the ECHO Cohort,” in Nutrition.