Neonatal birth weight and its influencing factors at high altitude
10.3760/cma.j.issn.1673-4912.2025.09.011
- VernacularTitle:高海拔地区新生儿出生体重及其影响因素
- Author:
Zelong JIN
1
;
Jiujun LI
1
Author Information
1. 中国医科大学附属盛京医院小儿呼吸科，沈阳 110004
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
High altitude pregnancy;
Newborn birth weight;
Low birth weight infant;
Altitude sickness;
Altitude adaptation
- From:
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine
2025;32(9):695-698
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The birth weight of newborns in plateau areas was lower than that in plain areas，and showed a downward trend with the increase of altitude.The average birth weight of newborns would decrease by about 100 grams for every 1 000 meters increase in altitude.The mechanism is mainly related to maternal physiological changes caused by hypoxia at high altitude，such as reduced uterine arterial blood flow，changes in placental structure and decreased nutrient transport capacity.Studies have shown that gestational age，altitude，ethnicity，maternal age and the number of prenatal visits are the main factors affecting the birth weight of newborns.The genetic adaptation mechanism of native plateau nationalities（such as Tibetans）can partially alleviate the restriction of fetal growth caused by hypoxia，but its role in ultra-high altitude（>4 500 m）needs further study.Young or advanced maternal age（≥35 years old）and inadequate prenatal care would increase the risk of low birth weight.It is suggested to strengthen health education in plateau area，promote regular prenatal examination，and explore the genetic mechanism of plateau adaptation in order to improve pregnancy outcomes.
