Mom’s Obesity & Child Infection Risk
- Children born to mothers with a BMI of 35 or higher face a greater risk of hospital admission due to infection, according to a study in BMJ Medicine....
- Researchers analyzed data from the Born in Bradford study, tracking 9,540 children born between 2007 and 2010. The study monitored hospital admissions for various infections, including respiratory, gastrointestinal,...
- The study revealed that children of mothers with grades 2-3 obesity were 41% more likely to be hospitalized for an infection before age 1, compared to children of...
Maternal Obesity Linked to Child’s Heightened Infection Risk
Updated June 04, 2025
Children born to mothers with a BMI of 35 or higher face a greater risk of hospital admission due to infection, according to a study in BMJ Medicine. The research underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight before and during pregnancy to reduce the risk of child infection.
Researchers analyzed data from the Born in Bradford study, tracking 9,540 children born between 2007 and 2010. The study monitored hospital admissions for various infections, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin infections, up to age 15.
The study revealed that children of mothers with grades 2-3 obesity were 41% more likely to be hospitalized for an infection before age 1, compared to children of mothers with a healthy weight. This increased risk rose to 53% between ages 5 and 15.The link between maternal obesity and child infection was more pronounced in boys and among Pakistani women.
While preterm birth accounted for a small portion of the association between maternal obesity and childhood infections, cesarean birth and child obesity at ages 4-5 appeared to be more significant, potentially modifiable risk factors.
The authors emphasize the need for public health initiatives and support for health care professionals to help women achieve and maintain a healthy weight during their reproductive years.The findings highlight the potential impact of maternal health on child infection rates.
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“The findings of our study highlight the need for public health campaigns and additional support for health care professionals to help women of reproductive age achieve and maintain a healthy body weight,” the researchers concluded.
What’s next
Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms linking maternal obesity and child infection, as well as to develop targeted interventions to mitigate these risks. Future studies should also consider environmental and lifestyle factors.