Birth Weight Linked to Childhood Allergies: Baby's Growth Before Birth May Affect Allergy Risk by Mei Marcie

Healthy Pregnancy
4 years ago

Birth Weight Linked to Childhood Allergies: Baby's Growth Before Birth May Affect Allergy Risk

Why do some children develop allergies while others do not? Genetics alone does not adequately cover the possible factors, so researchers at the University of Adelaide, Australia, set out to learn more about the role that birth weight plays on childhood allergies.

In the systematic review of previously published studies, the researchers looked at more than 15,000 studies and identified 42 that included data on more than two million allergy sufferers. Notably, they only included studies that corrected for gestational age, therefore excluding the role that premature birth itself may play in childhood allergies.

It was found that higher birth weight was associated with increased risk of food allergy and eczema, but not allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in childhood. For every extra 2.2 pounds of weight, a baby's risk of allergies and eczema increased by 44 percent (allergies) and 17 percent (eczema). Prior research had also associated obesity with a risk of childhood asthma. The study was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The message for mothers with big babies is to consult their doctors on how to reduce the risk of childhood allergies, since the high birth weight itself is a risk factor. Pregnant mothers may want to pay more attention to Baby's weight and alert their doctors on any family history of allergy so that steps can be taken to reduce the risk of childhood allergy.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

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Tribe
This is fascinating! 🤔
Elisa Schmitz
Wow, great info. It's almost counter-intuitive, meaning that you may think a premature and lower birth weight baby may be more prone to allergies. Thank you for sharing this, Mei Marcie !
Mei Marcie
Thanks Tribe and Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds - research are coming up all the time on the risk factors of childhood #allergy since there is no one cause, sometimes they are also conflicting.. so overtime, some researchers will do a systematic review of all the studies! :)

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