Depressed Moms and Low Birth Weight
Nothing says happy, healthy baby like chubby cheeks and legs. But each year, one in 13 babies born in the U-S is considered to be low birth weight…which means they weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces. And birth weight is about more than just esthetics or maternal pride, babies who are low-weight face health problems as newborns and an increased risk of long-term disability, such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy and breathing problems.
Over the years, researchers have discovered a direct link between maternal physical health and a baby’s birth weight. Now, a new study shows mental health may be an important factor as well.
In our continuing series, Making Sense of Mental Health, WBHM’s Rosemary Pennington speaks with the author of that study. University of New Hampshire professor Dr. Karen Conway says her work shows maternal depression leads to smaller babies. She also says there’s a clear socio-economic and racial gap when it comes to who will develop depression while pregnant. Poor women are much more likely to develop maternal depression than their more affluent counterparts; African Americans more likely than whites.
Editor’s note: This is our latest piece in a year-long commitment to covering mental health issues in Alabama. You can learn more about our “Making Sense of Mental Health” project and find local mental health resources — as our commitment continues throughout the year — inside this website.
Italian fashion designer Valentino dies at 93
Garavani built one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world. His clients included royalty, Hollywood stars, and first ladies.
Sheinbaum reassures Mexico after US military movements spark concern
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum quelled concerns on Monday about two recent movements of the U.S. military in the vicinity of Mexico that have the country on edge since the attack on Venezuela.
Trump says he’s pursuing Greenland after perceived Nobel Peace Prize snub
"Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize… I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace," Trump wrote in a message to the Norwegian Prime Minister.
Trump has rolled out many of the Project 2025 policies he once claimed ignorance about
Some of the 2025 policies that have been implemented include cracking down on immigration and dismantling the Department of Education.
Can exercise and anti-inflammatories fend off aging? A study aims to find out
New research is underway to test whether a combination of high-intensity interval training and generic medicines can slow down aging and fend off age-related diseases. Here's how it might work.
U.S. lawmakers wrap reassurance tour in Denmark as tensions around Greenland grow
A bipartisan congressional delegation traveled to Denmark to try to deescalate rising tensions. Just as they were finishing, President Trump announced new tariffs on the country until it agrees to his plan of acquiring Greenland.
