Nursery World - In the know a monthly round-up of new research (1)

Lower birth weight of Dutch neonates who were in utero at the time of the 9/11 attacks Researchers compared birth weights of 1,885 Dutch babies who were in their mothers' womb during the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks in the USwith those of 1,258 babies who were in utero exactly one year later. Birth weight was lower in the first group and this could not be explained by the mother's tobacco use, maternal age, parity, or other potential confounders or by shorter pregnancy durations. Smits, L et al. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 61(5): 715-717, Nov 2006.

Smits, L et al. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 61(5): 715-717, Nov 2006.

Abstract: http://www.jpsychores.com/ Massage intervention for promoting mental and physical health in infants aged under six months This review of nine studies suggests that infant massage has no effect on growth, but provides some evidence suggestive of improved mother-infant interaction, improved sleep and relaxation, reduced crying and a beneficial impact on a number of physiological processes.

There is no evidence of any impact on infant attachment, temperament, psychomotor or mental development.

Underdown, A et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Issue 4, Oct 2006. Abstract: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com, publication = Cochrane Library Multiple serotonergic brainstem abnormalities in sudden infant death syndrome This US study of victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) found that they may have had a genetic brain abnormality that prevents the detection of insufficient oxygen levels in the body. Scientists believe they have found the clearest evidence yet of an underlying genetic cause for cot death. The preliminary neurochemical evidence may also help explain the increased vulnerability of boys to SIDS.

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