Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health
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Are antenatal depression and anxiety risk factors for low birth weight?

Approved: 2014

Collaborators:

  • Dr Catherine Chojenta
  • Prof Julie Byles
  • Ms Jennifer Powers
  • Prof Deborah Loxton
  • AProf Alexis Hure
  • Dr Melissa Harris
  • Ms Peta Forder
  • Dr Amy Anderson
  • Ms Sheree Harris
  • Prof Liz Holliday
  • Prof Michael Hendryx

Synopsis

This project will examine the relationship between antenatal depression and antenatal anxiety and low birth weight for first time mothers. Low birth weight puts the infant at risk for adverse outcomes such as neonatal death, growth retardation and behavioural and developmental problems. While a number of modifiable risk factors for low birth weight have been identified (such as poor health behaviours), recent evidence suggests that poor mental health may play a role in poor obstetric outcomes. This project will examine the relationship between antenatal mental health and low birth weight, accounting for a range of other known risk factors.