Scientists from Swansea University have identified five main risk factors for having a low birth weight baby. Research published BMJ Open.
Low birth weight is defined as an infant weighing less than 2500 grams. These children may face a higher risk of health complications and developmental delay.
The new study included data from 693,377 children born in Wales between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2018. Scientists have found that multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.), an interval of less than a year between pregnancies, as well as disturbances in the mother’s physical or mental health increase the likelihood of having a miscarriage child. weight.
Especially dangerous diseases of the mother were diabetes, anemia, depression, severe mental illness, anxiety, and taking antidepressants during pregnancy. Additional risk factors included smoking, hospitalization for alcohol, substance use, domestic violence, maternal age (35+), and living in a disadvantaged neighborhood.