Catch-up growth in females born short for gestational age reduces the risk of giving birth to short-for-gestational-age infants

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to study the effect of catch-up growth on the offspring's length at birth among females born short for gestational age. Methods: Data of 1,363 females born short for gestational age (<-2 standard deviation scores) were obtained from the Swedish Birth Register. The females were included in the register both as babies and mothers. The effect of catch-up growth on the offspring's birth length was studied. Results: Short adult stature was associated with a threefold increase in the risk of giving birth to a short infant [OR 3.08 (CI 1.73-5.50)] and smoking increased the risk in a dose-dependent manner. Overweight was associated with a reduced risk [OR 0.46 (CI 0.22-0.96)] of giving birth to a short infant. Conclusion: Catch-up growth to normal adult stature among women born short for gestational age is associated with a reduced risk of giving birth to a short-for-gestational-age infant. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.