The report, titled: "Giving Birth in Canada: Regional Trends From 2001-2002 to 2005-2006," showed that these rates were even higher in some regions - over 7% in some parts of Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.
While no single cause could be identified, there are many "maternal characteristics" that factor in to the delivery of underweight newborns, one researcher stated.
For example, babies born as part of multiples, as a result of the use of fertility drugs or other assisted reproductive technologies, as well as smoking, poor diet and nutrition, are all factors that attribute to low birth weight. In addition it is also said that teen mothers often give birth to underweight babies, because they themselves are not yet finished growing.
In addition, CIHI says the growing proportion of women in Canada who immigrate from other countries with high percentages of low birth weights could be another factor.
Another study being conducted is looking into whether or not children born to non-Caucasian women have lower birth weights.
Underweight babies often times spend prolonged periods in hospital and may also experience lifelong complications and challenges as a result of being so small, and while underweight babies cannot always be predicted or prevented, it is still very important to make sure to eat healthy, get some light exercise, and take care of yourself properly to lower your babies chances of being underweight.
15 comments:
A friend of mine actually had a 5lb baby, she smoked, and even did recreational drugs and drank while pregnant..
I thought it was appaling that she would be so selfesh, considering her first baby was 10 lbs, give or take an oz or two..
subsequent babies are usually bigger
i don't think an underweight baby necessarily means the mother did this
This is not speculation, I know it for a fact. I saw her with my own eyes. She admitted to it. For some reason she doesnt think it will harm her baby. I just thank God that she is not intending on having more.
I don't think the poster was insiuating that your friend's case wasn't directly related to her behaviour...I think they meant mothers in general.
The CIHI simply had the potential factors listed as a means to inform people of possible prevention, not to point fingers.
Obviously, not all cases of low birth weights are preventable, but there are certain aspects that can be altered to invoke better outcomes.
Like better diet, or more healthful practices during pregnancy.
well my daughter was low-birth weight. i ate well during my pregnancy, exercised, and did not smoke or drink.
Exactly, as was said, sometimes there is nothing you can do.
Just an FYI to for comparison..."underweight" is considered less than 5lb5oz
yes and i read the entire article of this on CTV it also states that one factor is teen pregnancies because a teenager has not finished growing and contribute to the low birth weights in canada & the US
I have heard that when young women or teens have babies they are more likely to be healthy because the uterus is very healthy and rich for a baby to grow in. in reply to the anon poster.. why did you just repeat the underweight weight? im sorry i just dont get why you said that, maybe i missed something.
I have 4 chilren, the first weighing just over 5 lbs, born 4 weeks early, baby two was 8lbs 6 ozs., baby 3 was 7.5 lbs and baby 4 was 6 lbs 15 ozs. All my pregnancies were the same, good diet, no drinking, smoking etc. and all born when I between the ages of 20 and 30. Just thought I'd share that to point out...that sure bad habits can result in a lot of problems including low birth weight, but most babies born "under weight" can not be prevented. And as per my experience, and many moms I know with more then one child, subsequent babies are not always bigger.
My second wasn't bigger than my first either and they thought for sure she would be because I had gestational diabetes. Neither of them were underweight though...Cole was 6lb12oz and he was 2 weeks early and Madison was 6lb8oz and she was 3 days late.
Neither were mine. They actually weighed the same :P 7lbs 11oz
I have two babies, and my second was bigger than my first, but it might be because my second was a boy... ? Anyway, there was a pund difference.
oops.. pound difference.
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