Maternal Factors Contribute to Low Birth Weight: New Insights from a Prospective Cohort Study

Strategic Insights -

Researchers in China have conducted a large-scale study to investigate the relationship between maternal factors and low birth weight in offspring. The study, published in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics, involved 34,104 pregnant women and their offspring. The researchers found that maternal demographic factors, such as advanced gestational age, urban residence, and lower education level, were associated with an increased risk of low birth weight. Additionally, pregestational medical and behavioral factors, such as multiparity, history of preterm birth, and alcohol consumption, significantly increased the risk of low birth weight.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incidence of low birth weight was 8.9% (95%CI: 8.6-9.2) in the study.
  • Maternal demographic factors, including advanced gestational age (RR = 1.14), urban residence (RR = 1.74), and lower education level, were associated with low birth weight.
  • Pregestational medical and behavioral factors significantly increased the risk of low birth weight, including multiparity (RR = 1.71), history of preterm birth (RR = 1.56), and alcohol consumption (RR = 1.54).
  • Periconceptional factors also significantly contributed to low birth weight, including medical factors (infections, gestational complications, and lack of folic acid supplementation).
  • A balanced diet, folic acid supplementation, and avoiding excessive physical activity during pregnancy can prevent 20.59% (18.68-22.45) of cases of low birth weight.
  • Mothers at risk of delivering low-birth-weight infants can be identified based on pregestational and periconceptional factors.
  • Targeted interventions, including nutritional and behavioral measures, can effectively reduce the incidence of low birth weight.
  • The study concludes that tapered interventions should be prioritized by antenatal care providers.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 34,104 pregnant women and their offspring.
  • The incidence of low birth weight was 8.9% (95%CI: 8.6-9.2) in the study.
  • 8.9% of the offspring were born with low birth weight.
  • Advanced gestational age was associated with a 14% increased risk of low birth weight (RR = 1.14).
  • Urban residence was associated with a 74% increased risk of low birth weight (RR = 1.74).
  • Lower education level was associated with an increased risk of low birth weight.

Sources:

  • Wang et al. (2025). The Impact of Maternal Health and Lifestyle On Low Birth Weight: a Prospective Cohort Study. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 51(1).
  • NewsRx. Findings from Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics Provide New Insights into Pediatrics (The Impact of Maternal Health and Lifestyle On Low Birth Weight: a Prospective Cohort Study). Health & Medicine Week. August 8, 2025; p 1238.