Infection and Low Birth Weight in a Developing Country

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Abstract
The causes of fetal growth retardation and premature delivery are not well defined. Although diet, smoking, maternal weight and height, and social class can be correlated with the size of the fetus, the relative contribution of other factors to fetal growth has not been clarified. Among such factors in developing countries, the highly prevalent infectious diseases occupy a prominent place. This report summarizes studies of the frequency of infections in pregnant women and discusses their possible influence on intrauterine growth. PATIENTS AND METHODS The present data were derived from a long-term prospective investigation of the interactions of nutrition and infection and the outcome of pregnancy in a highland Indian village.1-3 Since 1972, all women of child-bearing age have been visited every month and interviewed regarding their menses. A urine gonadotrophin test was used for the diagnosis of pregnancy in women reporting amenorrhea. Each pregnant woman underwent anthropometric and obstetric

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