overall results are presented in Table 2. WIC participation is
associated with improved pregnancy outcomes: small improvements
in overall mean birth characteristics (gestational
age and birthweight) and larger reductions for some of the
low frequency and marginal pregnancy outcomes (low birthweight,
low 5 minute Apgar scores, neonatal mortality, and
prematurity). There is a 21 per cent decrease in the incidence
of low birthweight (283 WIC vs 360 control infants). The
reduction in prematurity associated with WIC participation
reaches statistical significance if prematurity is defined below
36 weeks gestational age (5.7 per cent vs 7.0 per cent).
The mean 1 minute and 5 minute Apgar scores were not
significantly different.
WIC participation is also associated with better prenatal
care; there is a 44 per cent decrease in the number of women
receiving inadequate care.
High Risk Subpopulations-Teenage mothers, as a
group, show increased birthweight, increased gestational
age, decreased LBW status, and improved prenatal care
(Table 3). In general, there is an inverse relationship between
age of mother and the impact of WIC on birth
outcome. The youngest mothers, age 15 and under, had the
largest pregnancy benefits and biggest decline in inadequate
prenatal care (6.1 per cent WIC vs 18.7 per cent non-WIC).
WIC participation is associated with positive birth outcomes
for Black, White, and Hispanic origin women.***