Physical and behavioural correlates of 12-month development in small-for-gestational age and appropriately grown infants

Abstract

The paper reports preliminary findings of a study investigating correlates and possible predictors of development in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. Antenatal, perinatal, physical, and behavioural variables were examined for links with performance on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 1 year of age. In a group of 65 SGA infants, high levels of maternal exercise in pregnancy and head size at 12 months predicted 35% of the variance in MDI scores. In a contrast group of 20 appropriately-grown (AGA) infants, levels of mutual interest in an object, and maternal affectionate behaviour were predictive of MDI scores. It was notable that no social-interactive variables were correlated with 12-month development in SGA infants; however, several were related to development in AGA infants. SGA mothers and infants were found to be less interactive with each other in comparison with AGA dyads, and SGA infants demonstrated comparatively high levels of state instability and of quiet-alert state. The possible usefulness of maternal tactile behaviour for orienting SGA infants to their environment is discussed.