Primary Submission Category: LGBTQ+
Perinatal outcomes and cardiovascular health during pregnancy among birthing people in same-sex and different-sex relationships in Louisiana
Authors: Dovile Vilda Emily Harville Isabelle Lian
Presenting Author: Dovile Vilda*
Background: Little is known about perinatal outcomes among birthing people in same-sex relationships compared to people in different-sex relationships, despite differences in preconception risk factors. In addition, while sexual minority women (lesbian, bisexual, and queer) experience higher cardiovascular disease risk, no study so far has investigated the risk of cardiovascular complications during pregnancy in this population.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of vital records data on singleton live births in Louisiana from 2018-2020. We classified births in the female-female relationship as same-sex and female-male relationship as different-sex relationships. Using logistic regression, we estimated associations between having a birth parent in same-sex relationship and cesarean delivery, preterm birth, low birthweight, and low Apgar score, and cardiovascular morbidities (i.e., gestational hypertension, preeclampsia). We adjusted for sociodemographic, preconception, and pregnancy-specific perinatal risk factors. We also examined whether these associations were modified by race/ethnicity.
Results: Compared with birthing people in different-sex relationship, people in same-sex relationships were more likely to have cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.23; 95% CI=1.01-1.49), preterm birth (aOR=1.43; 95% CI=1.09-1.86), low birthweight infants (aOR=1.39; 95% CI=1.04-1.88), and have newborns with a non-reassuring Apgar score (aOR=1.78; 95% CI=1.05-3.01). No differences were found in cardiovascular complications during pregnancy between the two groups. Effect modification by race/ethnicity was significant for low birthweight, cesarean delivery, and spontaneous delivery (p<.0.01).
Conclusion: Birthing people in same-sex relationships experience disparities in several perinatal but not cardiovascular health outcomes. Further research is needed to investigate these differences, particularly at the intersection of sexual identity/orientation and race/ethnicity.