Inequities in utilization of prenatal care: a population-based study in the Canadian province of Manitoba.

Background: Ensuring high quality and equitable maternity services is important to promote positive pregnancy outcomes. Despite a universal health care system, previous research shows neighborhood-level inequities in utilization of prenatal care in Manitoba, Canada. The purpose of this population-based retrospective cohort study was to describe prenatal care utilization among women giving birth in Manitoba, and to determine individual-level factors associated with inadequate prenatal care.

Risk factors for postpartum depression among abused and nonabused women.

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare risk factors for postpartum depression among women exposed vs not exposed to intimate partner violence and to assess the timing of abuse in relation to postpartum depression.

Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey, a telephone survey at 5-10 months postpartum. Survey questions were adapted from the Canadian Violence Against Women Survey and the Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Scale.

Experiences of violence before and during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: an analysis of the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey.

Background: Abuse and violence against women constitute a global public health problem and are particularly important among women of reproductive age. The literature is not conclusive regarding the impact of violence against pregnant women on adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, small for gestational age and postpartum depression. Most studies have been conducted on relatively small samples of high-risk women.