This study compared the unplanned pregnancy rate in soldiers against wives and daughters of soldiers. In addition, this investigation evaluated the relationships between a soldier's job, classified into specific job categories, as well as, some of the more common military occupational specialties and spontaneous abortion, small for gestational age, and preterm birth. This investigation found that pregnant soldiers who reside in the barracks demonstrated an unplanned pregnancy rate of 77.9 percent. The odds ratio for unplanned pregnancy in barracks residents was 4.32(3.24-5.78) and the odds ratio for pregnant barracks residents and never previously utilizing oral contraceptives was 2.55(1.87-3.48). These results may suggest access barriers to health care. Soldiers in the logistics job category demonstrated an increased risk of spontaneous abortion, the odds ratio was 1.87(1.20-2.93), within the logistics job category soldiers in MOS 92A demonstrated an odds ratio of 2.55(1.48-4.37). No other occupations were found to be at risk for spontaneous abortion. Soldiers were not, and no soldier job categories were identified at increased risk of S% or preterm birth. The most important predictors of SGA were Asian race 1.75(1.06-2.88), Black race 2.32(1.72-3.13), cigarette use 1/2 to 1 pack per day 2.17(1.45-3.26), and cigarette use more than 1 pack per day 2.71(1.17-6.29). The most important predictors of preterm birth were Black race 2.32(1.72-3.13) and cigarette use less than 1/2 per day 1.59(1.05-2.39).

In the very first text of its kind, Women at War brings together all available information and experience on women's physical and mental health in one resource to enlighten the practitioners caring for them. Our U.S Department of Defense is approximately 15% women with over 300,000 women having deployed since September 11th, 2001. This book reviews the epidemiology, changes in policy and demographics of women in the services, the factors affecting their health and health care while serving in austere environments, issues related to reproductive and urogenital health and how health care providers can help prepare and prevent illness. The book also looks at mental health issues to include PTSD and other psychological effects of war, intimate partner violence, sexual assault and suicide, as well as the veteran experience. The book brings together researchers, clinicians, and service member experience and presents the information in a practical, actionable format. It also highlights areas where data is lacking and more study is demanded.

The primary accomplishment of this study was the documentation of pregnant servicewomen's perspectives on what it means to be pregnant in the military and how work experiences influence delivery outcomes, performance, intentions to stay in the military, psychological well-being, and actual turnover. Comparisons of the demographic characteristics of active duly pregnant women with the population of military women were made. A measure of Work Climate was developed and validated. A longitudinal assessment of maternal medical conditions, turnover, work climate work reassignment, career opportunities. Work absences, turnover and delivery outcomes were tested. Most were not reassigned work due to pregnancy. Primary reasons were exposure to hazardous materials and physical requirements. Reassigned participants were more likely to intend to leave the organization. The majority reported pregnancy had no effect on career opportunities. Psychologically healthy pregnant personnel were more likely to perceive better career opportunities, coworker support and intended to stay in the organization. The majority worked at least 40 hours a week and missed less than one day per month throughout pregnancy. Personnel with more medical conditions missed more work. The majority intended to stay prior to and during pregnancy. Turnover intentions and actual turnover were positively associated. Neither turnover intention nor actual turnover were significantly related to baby outcomes. Covariance structural model results indicated rank, tenure, prior turnover intentions, work climate, and health affected turnover. Maternal medical conditions, psychological health, and work climate predicted complicated baby outcomes. Demographics did not predict adverse delivery outcomes. In a longitudinal model, only changes in psychological health predicted adverse delivery outcomes.

The Defense Women's Research Program solicited proposals and funded this study on active duty pregnant women, their work experiences and impact on outcomes such as performance, retention, psychological well-being and delivery outcomes. This paper is a phase 1 report that describes the role of positive and negative work experiences of pregnant women in the military and their attitudes about the military, performance, retention and psychological well-being. Longitudinal effects of pregnancy on work experiences, climate, delivery outcomes, and psychological well-being are addressed in subsequent reports. Questionaires were administered to 345 active duty obstetric patients who volunteered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, National Navy Medical Center, and Womack Army Medical Center. Participants were active duty members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Participants who were in their first trimester and volunteered, completed a follow-up questionaire. Maternal and fetal delivery outcome data was collected from the medical facilities. Descriptive and inferential statistical findings are presented in detail. Results are organized into the following topics: demographics, summary measures, medical history data, ethnicity, pregnancy timing, absences, work reassignment, pregnancy and military career. A brief overview of findings is provided for each topic.