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Associations of fetal and infant growth patterns with behavior and cognitive outcomes in early adolescence

Romy Gonçalves1,2, Romy Gaillard1,2, Kelly K Ferguson3

  • 1The Generation R Study Group Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam the Netherlands.

JCPP Advances
|September 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Fetal and infant weight growth impact adolescent behavior and cognition. Accelerated growth is linked to higher IQ, while longer gestation and higher birth weight correlate with fewer behavioral issues.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Fetal and infant development are critical for brain maturation.
  • Aberrant growth during these periods may increase risks for neurodevelopmental disorders and psychopathology.
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for early identification and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between fetal and infant weight growth patterns and birth characteristics.
  • To assess the impact of these factors on behavioral and cognitive outcomes at age 13.
  • To identify potential early life predictors of later neurodevelopmental trajectories.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based prospective cohort study followed children from fetal life to adolescence.
  • Fetal weight was estimated via ultrasonography; infant weight was measured at birth and 6, 12, 24 months.
  • Behavioral outcomes (Child Behavior Checklist, ADHD symptoms, autistic traits) and cognitive function (IQ) were assessed at age 13.

Main Results:

  • Longer gestational age was associated with lower total behavior problems and ADHD symptoms.
  • Increased birth weight correlated with reduced odds of high externalizing problems and low IQ.
  • Accelerated fetal and infant growth was linked to a higher IQ compared to normal growth patterns.

Conclusions:

  • Fetal and infant weight development significantly influences behavioral and cognitive outcomes in early adolescence.
  • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring fetal and infant growth for neurodevelopmental health.
  • Further research is warranted to determine if these associations persist into later life and impact mental health.
Abstract

Keywords:
IQattention‐deficit hyperactivity disorderautism spectrum disorderbehaviorcognitive developmentfetal growthinfant growth

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