Fabian Society reports Britain's "shocking" record of babies being born underweight.

UK's 'shocking' record on low birthweights - Telegraph

Extract:

"Britain's mothers should be encouraged not to have their children too late in life because of the "shocking" record of babies being born underweight, says a report today.

The UK has the worst rate of any country in western Europe, except Greece, with 40,000 babies born every year at less than 5lb 8oz.

The report, commissioned by the Fabian Society, a Left-leaning think-tank, says working women should be encouraged by their bosses to have babies in their 20s and early 30s to avoid the health risks associated with having an underweight child. It says Britain's record on underweight babies is worse now than in 1989, and is a "scar on the national conscience"."

"Babies with a low birth-weight suffer many health problems and it is estimated that 24,000 children would have the chance of a better life if Britain's record improved. Low weight is caused by a factors such as a mother's poor diet, her smoking, drinking habits and her age."

"In 2004, two thirds of all stillbirths and 70 per cent of deaths within a week of birth were among babies with a birth-weight of less than 5lb 8oz. In 1989, 67 of every 1,000 babies fell into that category but the proportion rose to 76 by 1999 and 78 by 2006.

Underweight babies who survive are more likely to have disabilities or suffer brain damage or have a low IQ. In later life there is an increased risk of health problems.

The rise in underweight babies is blamed on some social trends such as teenage pregnancy, multiple births as a result of IVF and the rise in women having babies late. In England alone, the number of women over 35 having babies has risen from 63,000 in 1993 to 103,000 in 2003."

I strongly suspect that 'slimming' and 'dieting' are among the main reasons for a mother's "poor diet". - If only people were to be told the truth about the causes of obesity and overweight! - Obesity is caused by fluid retention, not by overeating. - All that is normally necessary to lose excess weight is to eat less salt, i.e. to reduce one's sodium intake, and to eat plenty of fruit and fresh vegetables. See http://www.wildeaboutsteroids.co.uk/pregnant_mothers.html

Lose weight by eating less salt! Go on! - Try it! - You will feel so much better!
See my website www.wildeaboutsteroids.co.uk
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