Epidemiological differences among birth weight and gestational age subgroups of newborns

Abstract

For a sample of 16,113 women who received prenatal care from the Guatemalan Social Security Institute Hospital, we described the distribution of birth weight and gestational age subgroups and the association between known epidemiologic risk factors and the odds for 1) an appropriate-weight-for-gestational-age preterm vs. a small-for-gestational-age term infant, 2) a small-for-gestational-age preterm vs. a small-for-gestational-age term infant, and 3) a normal ponderal index vs. a low ponderal index term small-for-gestational-age infant. We found that low maternal income, education, height (3147 cm), prepregnancy weight (347.8 kg), and weight gain during pregnancy (30.72 kg) were associated with a greater odds for birth of a term small-for-gestational-age infant (particularly those with a normal ponderal index) than for the birth of a preterm appropriate-weight-for-gestational-age infant. Conversely, medical and pregnancy-related complications were associated with greater odds for a preterm birth of an appropriate- or a small-for-gestational-age infant. Implications of these findings for interventions and research are discussed.

Evolutionary and ecological aspects of early brain malnutrition in humans

“…ously malnourished children with stunted school performance are common problems in both the developing world and among the poor of industrial countries (Launer et al 1991). The large number of individuals with impaired cognitive and social skills from this potentially preventable cause makes it an important area of research for intervention programs.…”

Letters to the editor

“…Launer et al (1991) report a preterm rate of only 3%. However, in the United States about 10% of deliveries occur before 37 completed weeks (Alexander et al, 1990b).…”

“…The paper by Launer et al (1991) proposes a useful "separation of entities" W i n e et al, 1989?, a prerequisite for understanding the risk factors for different categories o f poor perinatal outcome. Most work published to date on low birth weight and prematurity fails to take this critical step, and I commend the authors for drawing our attention to this gap and presenting some useful results.…”