Low birth weight is a common issue seen in many newborns. The term low birth weight refers to a baby who is born weighing less than 5 pounds and 8 ounces or 2500 grams.

Low birth weight can be a result of preterm birth or restricted fetal growth in the womb. Low birth weight is a cause of many future health problems, including mental illness. This article will discuss the link between low birth weight and the risk of mental illness.

What is Low Birth Weight?

The weight of a newborn baby is an essential indicator of the baby’s health. Birth weight is influenced by many factors, including the baby’s gestational age, maternal nutrition, and health during pregnancy.

Low birth weight babies weigh less than 5 pounds and 8 ounces or 2500 grams at birth. There are two types of low birth weight babies:.

Preterm infants who are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy
Infants who are small for gestational age, meaning they are born at term but weigh less than expected for their gestational age.

How is Low Birth Weight Linked to Mental Illness?

Low birth weight babies have an increased risk of developing mental illnesses such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia in adulthood.

Several studies have shown a strong correlation between low birth weight and mental health disorders later in life. The precise underlying mechanisms are unknown, but experts have proposed several theories to explain the link between low birth weight and mental illness.

Theories of Linking Low Birth Weight and the Risk of Mental Illness

Brain Development: Low birth weight babies might have undergone an adverse intrauterine environment that could negatively impact brain development, which, in turn, results in brain abnormalities and mental illness later in life.

Studies have shown that low birth weight babies have less brain volume and less white matter than those born with a normal weight.

Genetic Factors: Low birth weight may be a result of genetic factors that also contribute to mental illnesses. Studies have shown that genetic variants that increase the risk of low birth weight are also associated with mental illness risk.

Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as poor maternal diet, smoking, and stress during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight and increase the risk of mental illness in the offspring.

Risk of Specific Mental Illnesses in Low Birth Weight Babies

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a prevalent mental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Studies have shown that low birth weight was significantly associated with an increased risk of ADHD. The odds of ADHD in low birth weight babies were approximately two times higher compared to normal birth weight babies.

Depression and Anxiety: Depression and anxiety are two common mental disorders. Low birth weight babies are more likely to develop these conditions than those born with normal birth weight.

Evidence from several studies suggests that there is a strong association between low birth weight and the risk of depression and anxiety.

Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking.

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that low birth weight babies are at an increased risk of developing schizophrenia in adulthood. Several studies have shown that there is a strong association between low birth weight and the risk of schizophrenia later in life.

Prevention of Low Birth Weight and the Risk of Mental Illness

The prevention of low birth weight should be a priority for the public health system, as low birth weight is a risk factor for many health issues, including mental illness. The prevention of low birth weight can be achieved through:.

Early and regular prenatal care
Proper nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy
Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy

Conclusion

Low birth weight is a common issue that can lead to future health problems, including mental illness. Several studies have demonstrated a strong association between low birth weight and the risk of mental illness later in life.

The precise underlying mechanisms are unknown, but experts have proposed several theories about the link between low birth weight and the risk of mental illness. Preventive measures such as early and regular prenatal care, proper nutrition, and avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of low birth weight and subsequently decrease the risk of mental illnesses.