Risk factors for low birthweight in Singapore: strategies for prevention

An analysis of 9399 consecutive singleton births delivered at this unit is presented. The incidence of low birthweight (< 2500 g) was 7.4%. Further analysis of the 698 low birth weight babies indicated that a variety of socio-demographic risk factors are operational in the etiology of low birthweight. Many of these are preventable before pregnancy so that the implementation of preventive Public Health measures utilising appropriate technology at least in developing countries may be socially and economically preferable to continued financial investment in intensive perinatal services.