Influence of maternal characteristics and infant feeding patterns on infant growth from birth till 18 months: The
Hadia Radwan1,2, Farah Naja1,2, Nada Abbas3
1College of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Background:
The growth and development of infants during the first 1000 days of life are crucial for their health.
Objectives:
This study aims to assess the impact of maternal characteristics and infant feeding patterns on infant growth from birth to 18 months.
Methods:
Data were derived from the 2-year perspective Mother Infant Study Cohort (MISC) study which included six visits from the third trimester of pregnancy until 18 months postpartum. A convenient sample of 256 pregnant women aged 19-40 years was recruited from Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman in the United Arab Emirates.
Results:
Amongst mothers' characteristics, Arab nationality, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity, higher gestational weight gain and lower physical activity were found to increase the likelihood of infants being overweight at 6, 12 and 18 months. Exclusive breastfeeding was positively correlated with reduced odds of the infant being overweight at 18 months (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12-0.81). Breastfeeding for up to 6 months and the introduction of solid foods after 6 months was associated with reduced odds of the infant being overweight at 12 months old (aOR = 4, 95% CI: 1.1-14.6; aOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.09-8.08, respectively).
Conclusion:
The findings spotlight the influence of maternal characteristics and infant feeding on infant growth. This asserts the need for evidence-based programmes targeting mothers to promote optimal feeding practices and foster healthy child growth.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Nature and Nurture
Environmental Influences on Intelligence
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Regression Toward the Mean


