What to read after Preventing Low Birthweight?

To determine if promising opportunities exist for reducing the incidence of low birth-weight, the Institute of Medicine established an interdisciplinary committee to study the complex problems of prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation, the twin contributors to low birthweight. The committee was asked to review available measures for preventing or reducing the occurrence of low birthweight in infants; to define those interventions likely to be effective and to consider their costs in relation to the continuing incidence of low birthweight. As background to such an analysis, the group also was asked to assess the relationship of low birthweight to mortality and morbidity; to review existing information on the etiology of low birthweight and the risk factors associated with it; and to examine trends over time. In meeting this charge, the committee has developed a report in two parts. Part I defines and describes the significance of low birthweight, the data on etiology and risk factors, and recent state and national trends in the incidence of low birthweight among various groups. Part II describes the preventive approaches found most desirable and considers their costs.