title: Maternal obesity and risk of infant death based on Florida birth records for 2004.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a substantial and significant association between pre-pregnancy maternal obesity and infant death.
authors.affiliation: Florida Department of Health, Division of Family Health Services, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1723, USA. dan_thompson@doh.state.fl.us
authors.forename: Daniel R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Cheryl L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Betsy
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Zeni