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 The younger the mother, the higher the risk for having a baby with gastroschisis. What is the biologic explanation for this striking pattern? We investigated nutritional and reproductive factors, theorizing that teen mothers themselves may still be growing, thus competing with their unborn babies for nutrients. Here's what we've found.
UNDERWEIGHT MOTHERS AT RISK
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Babies with gastroschisis are born 3 times as often to mothers who are underweight; risk is reduced for overweight mothers  |
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Mothers of infants with gastroschisis started menstruating at about the same age as other girls, but have a shorter interval between their first period and their first pregnancy. |
DIETARY FACTORS IMPORTANT
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Low vegetable and fruit consumption is associated with a 3 times higher risk of gastroschisis. |
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A 3-4 fold risk increase is noted with low intake of carotenoids (found in fruits and vegetables) or glutathione (from animal protein or fruits/vegetables). Both nutrients are antioxidants and may protect the fetus from oxygen stress. |
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High dietary levels of nitrosamines (found in preserved meats and beer) more than double the risk.
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MANY MOTHERS HAVE DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUNDS
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Women who faced greater social and economic challenges during childhood/young adulthood are more likely to have babies with gastroschisis. |
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These disadvantages included not completing high school, having low or middle income level, living with but not married to the baby's father, growing up without her own father in the home and not knowing if her mother smoked (often because she was raised by someone else).
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