Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between pre-pregnancy maternal obesity and risk of infant death.
Methods: In March 2004, maternal height and pre-pregnancy weight were added to the data collected on the Florida birth certificate. Using birth records linked to infant deaths, these data were used to assess the relationship between pre-pregnancy maternal obesity, as measured by body mass index, and infant death.
Results: Pre-pregnancy maternal obesity was associated with increased odds of infant death. The increased risk was found with and without adjustments for maternal race, marital status, age, education, trimester prenatal care began, first birth, and tobacco use.
Conclusion: There is a substantial and significant association between pre-pregnancy maternal obesity and infant death.