Cardiovascular Health of Mothers in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2014

Authors

Catherine J. Vladutiu, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau
Katherine A. Ahrens PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public ServiceFollow
Sarah Verbiest, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine
M. Kathryn Menard, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine
Alison M. Stuebe, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Gillings School of Global Public Health

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-6-2019

Publication Title

Journal of Women’s Health

Keywords

cardiovascular disease, maternal health, postpartum, pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy and childrearing can impact women's health and alter chronic disease trajectories in later life, including cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to assess measures of women's cardiovascular health by time since last live birth. Materials and

Methods: Data were from 4,021 nonpregnant U.S. women, 20-44 years of age, participating in the 2007-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Cardiovascular health was assessed using physical measures, laboratory measures, self-reported behaviors, medical conditions, and selected psychosocial factors by time since last live birth.

Results: Women reported their last live birth within the past 12 months ("mothers of infants"; 7.4%), >12 months, but ("mothers of toddlers"; 10.0%), or ≥3 years ago ("mothers of older children"; 45.2%); 37.3% were nulliparous. Compared with nulliparous women, mothers of older children had a higher prevalence of selected cardiovascular risk factors, including unhealthy diet (75.6% vs. 68.8%) and smoking (28.1% vs. 21.9%), after adjustment for sociodemographics (including age). Mothers of toddlers had a higher prevalence of unhealthy diet (78.0% vs. 68.8%). Mothers also had poorer metabolic health as indicated by a higher prevalence of low HDL cholesterol among mothers of toddlers and older children (44.2% and 40.4%, respectively, vs. 33.6%), and a higher prevalence of high waist circumference among mothers of infants (65.6% vs. 53.8%). Some mothers also had a higher prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors, including low physical activity and poor sleep.

Conclusion: Prior pregnancy and childrearing may be associated with selected cardiovascular risk factors among nonpregnant reproductive-aged U.S. women.

Comments

Copyright 2019, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers

Recommended Citation

Vladutiu, C.J., Ahrens, K.A., Verbiest, S., Menard, M.K. & Stuebe, A.M. (2018). Cardiovascular Health of Mothers in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2014. Journal of Women’s Health. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2018.7204.