Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
04:18
Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice
Published on: October 10, 2025
735
Risk factors for 'small for gestational age babies'
T Ruwanpathirana1, D N Fernando
1Family Health Bureau, Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka, thilangar@yahoo.com.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|April 30, 2014
Summary
Seven key risk factors for small for gestational age (SGA) babies were identified, including low pre-pregnancy weight and high stress levels. These findings can guide interventions to improve birth outcomes for newborns.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Health
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Small for gestational age (SGA) newborns are at increased risk for adverse health outcomes.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the significant risk factors associated with the development of small for gestational age (SGA) babies.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study was conducted in Colombo district, Sri Lanka.
- SGA was defined as birth weight below the 10th percentile using Sri Lankan-specific growth curves.
- Data were collected from 1,200 pregnant women, with 167 cases and 668 controls.
Main Results:
- Multivariate analysis revealed seven significant risk factors for SGA.
- These include nulliparity, inadequate gestational weight gain, high physical activity, low pre-pregnancy maternal weight (<38 kg), high stress in the second trimester, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), and insufficient husband support.
Conclusions:
- The identified risk factors provide critical insights for targeted intervention programs.
- Interventions focusing on maternal nutrition, stress reduction, and social support may help reduce the incidence of SGA births.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
3.9K
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
3.9K
01:07Teratogenicity
4.2K
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
4.2K
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
65
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
65
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
4.9K
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
4.9K
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
61
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
61
01:21Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview
3.1K
When it comes to infants and young children, they are typically administered smaller doses of medication in comparison to adults. This is primarily because their organ functions still need to fully develop, meaning their bodies are not as efficient at metabolizing or eliminating drugs. Additionally, their blood-brain barrier is more permeable than in adults. As a result, high concentrations of drugs can easily penetrate the central nervous system (CNS), potentially leading to neurological...
3.1K