Childbirth fear in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic: key predictors and associated birth outcomes.

Zaneta M ThayerS A Geisel-ZamoraG UwizeyeTheresa E Gildner

Published in: Evolution, medicine, and public health (2023)

Tokophobia increases the odds of preterm birth and is more prevalent among individuals who are Black, have a lower income, and have less education. Tokophobia may, therefore, be an underappreciated contributor to inequities in US birth outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic likely compounded these effects.

Keyphrases

preterm birth
gestational age
low birth weight
healthcare
mental health
quality improvement
type diabetes
physical activity
pregnant women