Is there a relationship between a baby's birth weight and intelligence quotient (IQ)?
Oct 10, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
A baby's birth weight is generally not related to intelligence quotient (IQ), as IQ is not affected by whether the birth weight is high or low. A baby's IQ is usually associated with normal chromosomal development, intrauterine development, and the presence of acquired diseases. In contrast, birth weight is typically influenced by genetic factors, intrauterine development, and maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
A baby's birth weight is generally not related to intelligence, and IQ is not affected by whether the weight is high or low.
A baby's intelligence is usually associated with normal chromosomal development, intrauterine development, and whether there are postnatal diseases. In contrast, birth weight is typically influenced by genetics, fetal development in the womb, and maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Therefore, intelligence is not impacted by birth weight. As long as the infant does not have genetic abnormalities affecting cognitive development, their IQ is usually normal after birth. Some babies may have low birth weight, which is often a pathological sign caused by illness. Conversely, some infants with intellectual impairments may be overweight at birth; this phenomenon is generally determined by the underlying medical condition, rather than being related to body weight itself.
If a newborn has low body weight, there is generally no need for excessive concern. With proper feeding, adequate nutritional intake, and prevention of illness during later stages, the baby can develop normally.
