Green GeoBirth
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect up to 20% of pregnancies in the United States and are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Large racial disparities exist in both HDP and maternal mortality. Identifying strategies to prevent HDP would have a significant impact on reducing persistent Black-white disparities in both maternal mortality and long-term cardiovascular disease.
The role of neighborhood environments in shaping health is understudied and represents a potential way to address HDP and chronic hypertension (cHTN). Neighborhood conditions, including physical disorder, residential segregation, and violent crime, have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including HDP. Greenspace (e.g., tree canopy, parks) represents a potentially health-promoting aspect of the neighborhood environment and has been linked to improved perinatal outcomes, including lower preterm birth rates.
Green GeoBirth evaluates the impact of neighborhood greenspace on cardiovascular pregnancy and post-pregnancy outcomes. This study leverages both electronic health record data collected through a large birth cohort and administrative environmental data related to nature.
PI: Heather Burris, MD, MPH; Eugenia South, MD, MS
Funders: National Institutes of Health (NIH)