Unequal at birth - Inequalities in the occurrence of low birthweight babies in Ireland

October 2006

Dr Helen McAvoy

Overview

• Low birth weight is associated with adverse health and developmental outcomes

• This report – quantifies and assesses the effect of socio-

economic status on the occurrence of low birthweight in Ireland

– Presents a rapid review of what works to reduce inequalities in low birthweight

Main findings

• Babies born to parents who are unemployed were at over twice the risk of being low birthweight

• If all socio-economic groups had the same proportion of low birthweight births as the highest socio-economic group, there would have been an estimated 695 fewer low birthweight babies in 1999.

Main findings

• Sensitively and carefully designed interventions aimed at improving health behaviours in pregnancy, especially smoking, have a role in reducing inequalities in low birthweight.

• Strategies designed to support early enrolment in antenatal care by low income women may also have a role.