Complications of pregnancy that are linked with low birthweight are associated with increased risk of heart disease in the mother. The circumstances that surround a child's birth have an effect on the later health of both the mother and the child.
A study was carried out at the Department of Medical Epidemiology, Stockholm, Sweden. It investigated the link between heart disease in the mothers and restricted fetal growth. Information about the mothers that was recorded included age, marital status, socio-economic status and other pregnancy-related diseases. The information about the infants included birthweight, birth length, head circumference, and the mode of delivery.
It was found out that mothers of low-birth weight babies were 11 times more likely to die from heart disease than those who had heavier babies. Such mothers bore infants significantly lower in mean birth weight, birth length, and head circumference. This study suggested that low birthweight is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease in later life. Both birthweight and adult risk of heart disease are also influenced by genetic and socio-economic factors. However, little research has been done till date and further investigations are under process.
The Lancet; June 2001, vol 357(9273)
COMMENT
DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.
