NSW: Fat babies may risk cot death

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2007
NSW: Fat babies may risk cot death

SYDNEY, Aug 19 AAP - Fat babies could be at higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS) because their extra body weight makes breathing and movement more difficult, a
top pathologist says.

Professor Roger Byard from the University of Adelaide has highlighted the risks of
maternal obesity in a recent health journal publication, News Ltd newspapers report.

"We are getting more obese mothers and we are getting more obese babies and infants,"

Prof Byard told The Sunday Telegraph.

"I am not saying all obese babies are going to die but there may be a link to SIDS.

"Is it possible that markedly obese infants may be less able to move from the prone
position, may have upper airway narrowing and may have abnormal pulmonary function? All
of these factors have been linked with an increased risk of SIDS."

Prof Byard will present his work to an international medical conference in Europe in December.

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KEYWORD: BABIES

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