Thesiss

Background: There is compelling evidence in western literature that stress during pregnancy negatively affects birth outcomes resulting in preterm birth (PT) (<37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight (LBW) (<2500g). Life events have been recognized as intervening factors that c…

Foreign birth is largely protective against infant preterm birth as noted by the "Latina paradox". As women acculturate to American lifestyles, this protective effect dissipates. This study investigated the effect of acculturation on Somali refugee women's birth outcomes. Result…

Prior studies have shown that the low-level microbiome in the placenta is most similar to the non-pregnant oral microbiome, suggesting a hematogenous route of bacterial transmission. Based on these studies, we theorized that a disruption of the normal balance of pathogenic and c…

Perinatal regionalization (PR) is one of several solutions proposed to increase access to quality care and improve infant health outcomes. PR, a systems approach to coordinating healthcare services to ensure mothers and babies receive the care they need, has been recognized as a…