After reading the initial studies relating birth rate to CHD and diabetes I was somewhat relieved that both of my children were a healthy birth rate (and maintained a steady rate of growth)... Then I read the studies relating birth weight with breast cancer risk. Thank God that we have no family history of breast cancer.In regards to the study of Swedish woman I wondered what the average birth weight of Swedish children is in relation to the rest of the population (I realize that some cultures usually have larger or smaller babies). I also am curious as to what the national breast cancer rates are like compared to other cultures. Can we generalize the birth weight and associated risk to other cultures?
I also wonder if there is some other variable at work. Some woman are genetically predisposed to larger babies just as some woman have a higher risk of breast cancer. Would trying to mediate the birth weight of babies alter their later breast cancer risk or is there some other factor that is correlated to both? Of course this would be a rather unethical study (considering low birth rate is a risk factor in CHD, diabetes as well as other health problems). I do know that OB's go through phases where they suggest different ideal weight gains for their pregnant patients. Possibly, large babies who's mothers only gained 20 lbs. etc. could be compared to those who gained more.????? Not sure if that would answer my question or not. I guess my question is what is causing the weight of the baby, hormones, genetics or maternal caloric intake? and which factor is related to breast cancer?
P.S. I googled the image and used it from the site www.babytalkers.com
No comments:
Post a Comment