Resumen de Aspectos perinatales, crecimiento y tipo de lactancia de los nacidos pequeños para su edad gestacional

M. Biosca Pàmies, Gerardo Rodríguez Martínez, María Pilar Samper Villagrasa, L. Cuadrón Andrés, M. Odriozola Grijalba, M.L. Álvarez Sauras, Luis A. Moreno Aznar, José Luis Olivares López, Calina Grupo Colaborativo

• Abstract Introduction: Being born small for gestational age (SGA) has short and long term risks. The aim of this study was to describe perinatal and socio-cultural characteristics, and the pattern of growth and diet of SGA infants during their first 6 months of life.

  Materials and methods: Anthropometry and diet were evaluated during six months in a representative sample of 1596 newborns the population of Aragon (Spain).

  Results: Mothers of SGA (N = 94) infants gained less weight during pregnancy (10.5 ± 5.8 vs 12.0 ± 5.07 kg, P= .012), gestational age at birth was lower (37.84 ± 1.7 vs 39.06 ± 1.6 weeks, P < .001), and the probability of cesarean delivery was higher (37.2% vs 20.5%, P = .001). The height of the mother was lower in the SGA group (1.61 ± 0.58 vs 1.63 ± 0.06 metres, P = .004), but their body mass index was similar. No differences were found between groups in social or cultural aspects. Mothers of SGA infants smoked more during pregnancy (32.3% vs 18.5%, P = .003) (RR = 1.92; 95% CI; 1.31 to 3.02). Infants born SGA remained smaller during the first 6 months of life, and the monthly weight gain was similar to the rest. In the SGA group, the prevalence of breastfeeding was lower at 4 months of age (54.9% vs 68.2%, RR = 0.58, 95% CI;

  0.38 to 0.89).

  Conclusions: Infants born SGA are more likely to converge a number of characteristics that must be considered together because they may lead to health risks. SGA do not show a rapid recovery pattern of postnatal growth, and their smaller size persists at six months.