Low birth weight in the central Canadian Arctic

Birthing, health and prenatal records of 523 infants born between 1984 and 1988 in the central Canadian Arctic, were reviewed. The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) was 5.5%, which is lower than in many other populations. Principal indicators of risk were a previous history of a LBW infant, a short inter pregnancy interval, low weight at the time of the first prenatal visit and a weight gain of less than 200 gm/wk throughout pregnancy. Use of nicotine and alcohol may have been contributing factors. Although low, it is argued that the incidence could be further reduced through prepregnancy social and educational programs, as well as intensified prenatal care for those at risk.