| Popis: |
This paper examines the hypothesis that the increase in low birth weight observed among infants of smokers is at least partially mediated by decreased maternal caloric intake and/or weight gain. First, we compare the caloric intake and weight gain of pregnant smokers to nonsmokers. We then use multiple models to describe the effects of smoking and maternal weight gain on birth weight. Our study suggests that smoking does not significantly affect caloric intake or weight gain among pregnant smokers. It also indicates that inadequate weight gain, as defined by the Institute of Medicine guidelines, and smoking both increase the risk of SGA. However, there is no evidence of interaction between these two risk factors. Thus smoking and weight gain exert their effects on birth weight independently. |
