SYDNEY, April 15 (Xinhua)
-- Women with drug or alcohol related
mental disorders are up to four
times more likely to have a
low- birth weight baby, an Australian
study revealed.
The results of
the study were outlined on Monday
at the annual congress of the
Perinatal Society of Australia and New
Zealand in Adelaide, the Australian
Associated Press (AAP)
reported.
According to Dr
Michelle Bonello from School of
Women's and Children Health at
University of New South Wales,
overwhelming new evidence shows that
alcohol and drugs lead to low
birth weight, preterm
birth.
"We believe this study
is the tip of an iceberg
because the prevalence of women
drinking alcohol to excess or taking
illicit drugs is increasing and
approaching similar levels to men,"
Bonello told AAP.
"Social
values of women are changing over
time. They are drinking and using
drugs."
She said women admitted
to hospital with mental or behavioral
problems should be encouraged to use
contraception as part of their overall
management.
The study based on
the data of 1,107 first-time mothers
found increased risk of low birth
weight even if hospitalization took
place 12 months before conception.
