Immature pelvic growth and obesity: A biocultural analysis of risks associated with adolescent pregnancy in the U.S.
Date
2020-10-30
Authors
Ronayne, Emma
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Abstract
Adolescent pregnancy in women aged 10-19 years is associated with higher rates of adverse outcomes for both the mother and infant than adult pregnancy. Health conditions and immaturities such as obesity and immature pelvic growth compound the associated risks of adolescent pregnancy. Black and Indigenous women in the U.S. experience disproportionately high rates of adolescent pregnancy and obesity. This research project aims to answer two questions: (1) What are the contributing risks of pelvic immaturity and obesity on adverse outcomes in adolescent pregnancy, especially in the U.S.?; and (2) Why are Black and Indigenous women at particular risk of adolescent pregnancy and obesity in the U.S.? In this research project, I have conducted statistical analyses of the biological and social factors associated with adolescent pregnancy using the CDC WONDER database, and I have used case studies and ethnographic accounts to understand Black and Indigenous women’s experiences with adolescent pregnancy. In this essay, I examine the racial disparities in rates of adolescent pregnancy, obesity and adverse outcomes in the U.S. I focus on biological risks associated with adolescent pregnancy and the social factors associated with the most at-risk groups for adolescent pregnancy and obesity. My essay will detail how this research contributes to a current public health issue using an integrative biocultural approach.
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Keywords
Obstetric violence, Obstetric racism, Healthcare disparities, Adolescent pregnancy, Pelvic immaturity, Obesity, Obstetrical dilemma