Social Determinants Influencing Pregnancy and Preterm Birth

Abstract

Social determinants of health are pervasive in their influence on patients’ lives and must be recognized to deliver healthcare equitably and effectively to a wide variety of backgrounds. While social determinants of health have been extensively studied in regard to the general population, research involving their intersection with antenatal care and preterm birth has been historically limited. The pregnant patient, although a specific patient population, can be very diverse in terms of income, employment, education, early life experiences, social supports, access to healthcare services, culture, and race. As a result, better characterisation of social determinants specifically in the context of antenatal care will strengthen the delivery of healthcare, prevent preterm birth, and optimize outcomes postnatally.