Abstract
Objectives: We examined whether data obtained by maternal report could be used for research in clinical settings in place of abstraction of the clinical record. Method: Reported prepregnancy weight, delivery type, and infant's birth date, birth weight, and length were compared to the same information from the clinical record. Results: Reported data, obtained from 198 women, were more complete than data in the 168 clinical records obtained. Prepregnancy weight from the clinical record was highly correlated with weight measured by us in early pregnancy, and with the value reported by the mother (differing significantly only in underweight women, who overreported by 2.4 lbs). There was complete concordance on birth date and method of delivery, and no significant differences in mean birth weight or length, between the reported and recorded information. Conclusion: The mother's report is a satisfactory substitute for clinical record data, being consistent with the record, and more complete, yet easier to obtain for clinical studies.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Stevens-Simon C, Roghmann KJ, McAnarney ER. Relationship of self-reported prepregnancy weight and weight gain during pregnancy to maternal body habitus and age. J Amer Diet Assn 1992;92(1):85–7.
Little RE. Birthweight and gestational age: Mothers' estimates compared with State and hospital records. Amer J Public Health 1986;76(11):1350–1.
Casey R, Rieckhoff M, Beebe SA, Pinto-Martin J. Obstetric and perinatal events: The accuracy of maternal report. Clin Pediat 1992;31:200–4.
Seidman DS, Slater PE, Ever-Hadani P, Gale R. Accuracy of mothers' recall of birthweight and gestational age. Brit J Obstet Gynecol 1987;94:731–5.
Lederman SA, Paxton A, Heysfield SB, Wang J, Thornton J, Pierson RN, Jr. Body fat and water changes during pregnancy in women with different body weight and weight gain. Obstet Gynecol 1997;90:483–8.
Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board, National Academy of Sciences, Subcommittee on Nutritional Status and Weight Gain during Pregnancy. Nutrition during pregnancy. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1990.
Clapp JF III, Seaward BL, Sleamaker RH, Hiser J. Maternal physiological adjustments to early human pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1988;159:1456–60.
Eaton-Evans J, Dugdale AE. Recall by mothers of the birthweights and feeding of their children. Human Nutr Applied Nutr 1986;40A:171–5.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lederman, S.A., Paxton, A. Maternal Reporting of Prepregnancy Weight and Birth Outcome: Consistency and Completeness Compared with the Clinical Record. Matern Child Health J 2, 123–126 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022996924094
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022996924094