Institute of Medicine's 1995 Report

A 1995 Institute of Medicine report provides information on the impact of unintended pregnancy on children and families.

• Women are more likely to postpone or not obtain prenatal care and to continue to use substances such as tobacco and alcohol.
• Their babies are at greater risk of being low birthweight (weighing less than five lbs. [2500 grams metric] at birth), of dying in their first year of life, and of being abused.
• The mother also has a greater risk of being abused and/or having the relationship with her partner dissolve.
• Women are less likely to seek care for specific diseases and conditions that have serious consequences for pregnancy, such as diabetes. These are best managed when care begins prior to conception.

The Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences, is a private, non-governmental organization. Its mission is to advance and disseminate scientific knowledge to improve human health.

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