Low Birthweight - Health Marker

In June 2004, Lord Morris asked the Government 'in view of the high incidence of impaired neurodevelopment and chronic ill health amongst low birthweight babies, would the Government tell Parliament of the progress in reducing the incidence since the 1950s'. The Government statistician furnished the reply that:

• In 1953, the incidence was 6.6% in England.
• In 1973, the new national statistics put the incidence nationwide at 6.6%.
• In 2000, it was 7.6% nationwide.
• The UNICEF report in 2005 puts the UK at 8% on a par with Rumania and Kazakhstan and worse than Cuba (5.7%).

A most promising research assistant is currently studying 372 pregnancies in relation to nutrition as one of the modifiable factors determining pregnancy outcome and the risk of chronic ill health and mental impairment to the new born. Evidence on ADHD points to a deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids which we are seeing in infants born at very low birthweights. One of the trustees has given £10,000 to help continue this important work the outcome of which will lead to better guidance for all women planning and entering pregnancy.

The concern of the foundation is that the 1970s the Neuberger report for the Medical Research Council advised that research should be done on the reasons for the reduction of low birthweight and its associated handicaps. The 1989 House of Commons Select Committee on Children and the 1991 Committee on Maternity services all echoed the same recommendation. To date no concerted action has been taken although several independent research groups have recognised the problem and are active in research and action programmes.