Factors associated with residential mobility during pregnancy

Our objective was to determine the factors associated with residential moving during pregnancy, as it may increase stress during pregnancy and affect birth outcomes. Data were obtained from the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) study. Participants were recruited from December 2006 to June 2011 and included 1,448 pregnant women. The average gestational age at enrollment was 23weeks. The primary outcome of residential mobility was defined as any change in address during pregnancy. Multivariate regression was used to assess the adjusted associations of factors with residential mobility. Out of 1,448 participants, approximately 9 percent moved between baseline (enrollment) and delivery. After adjusting for covariates, mothers with lower educational attainment [less than high school (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.78, 7.85) and high school/technical school (aOR=3.57, 95% CI=2.01, 6.32) compared to college degree or higher], and shorter length of residence in neighborhood were more likely to have moved compared to other mothers. Length of residence was protective of mobility (aOR=0.91, 95% CI=0.86, 0.96 per year). Increased understanding of residential mobility during pregnancy may help improve the health of mothers and their children.