Maternal, Pregnancy, and Birth Characteristics of Asians and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders -- King County, Washington, 2003-2008.

The article describes the maternal, pregnancy and birth characteristics of Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NHPI) and Asians in King County, Washington from 2003 to 2008. Results of a study revealed that compared to Asians, NHPI mothers were significantly more likely to be adolescents, overweight or obese before pregnancy, have smoked during pregnancy and their infants more likely to be born preterm. The results will help identify differences and support routine presentation of health data separating Asians and NHPI mothers.