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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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

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