Fetal Mortality by Maternal Education and Prenatal Care, 1990 The risk for experiencing a fetal loss (involuntary loss of a fetus during pregnancy) in 1990 differed by both maternal and fetal characteristics. In this report, data for two maternal factors, education and use of prenatal care, are presented for the first time. Data for this report were compiled from selected States based on the completeness of their reporting systems. Analysis showed a variation in fetal mortality based on educational attainment of women, with higher rates for those with less formal education. This inverse relationship was evident for women aged 20-34 and 35-49 years; and for the white population of all ages combined. This mortality differential by education persisted when several other characteristics were taken into account. Assessing the role of prenatal care in the analysis of fetal mortality is complicated by factors such as differential selection into prenatal care and differences in opportunities to obtain prenatal care. However, this report shows that fetal mortality rates were higher for women who received no prenatal care during pregnancy compared with women who received some prenatal care. This association between prenatal care and fetal mortality held for all ages, race and ethnic groups, birth order, length of gestation, and education among women aged 25 years and over.
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January 11, 2007
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