Race and Length of Time Pursuing Pregnancy Among Women Who Utilized Medical Help to Get Pregnant

Abstract

Objective: The evaluation of racial disparities in access to and use of infertility services in the U.S. has been documented. The aims of this study were to: 1) investigate racial differences in length of time women report attempting to become pregnant until seeking medical help; and 2) determine the predictors of seeking medical help to achieve pregnancy.

Materials and methods: The National Survey of Family Growth 2011-2015 was used to analyze the duration women attempted to get pregnant among those who sought medical help.

Results: 563 women reported seeking medical help to achieve pregnancy. The majority 422 (81%) were white. Multiple linear regression showed that age (β = .93; p = .00), having less than high school education (β = 14.64; p = .01), and higher body mass index (β = .59; p = .00) are significantly associated with an increased length of time for seeking medical help to get pregnant. Religions other than Catholic or Protestant (β = -8.63; p = .04) is significantly associated with a decreased length of time for seeking medical help to get pregnant. Race was not associated with a significant difference in the length of time attempting to become pregnant (β = -1.80; p = .44).

Conclusion: Age, education attainment, religious affiliation, and body mass index are significantly associated with the length of time pursuing pregnancy. Once women have utilized medical resources, racial differences in the length of time pursuing pregnancy are not apparent