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Preterm Birth Linked to Lower IQ
30 Mar
Summary
- Preterm birth and low birth weight are tied to lower intelligence.
- Cognitive and academic gaps persist into adulthood.
- Early identification and support are crucial for at-risk children.
A comprehensive review of existing research indicates that preterm birth and low birth weight are associated with lower intelligence scores and poorer educational outcomes throughout life. The findings, drawn from hundreds of earlier studies, reveal that individuals born too early or too small tend to perform worse on cognitive tests and in academic areas like reading and mathematics.
These cognitive and learning differences, averaging about 10 IQ points lower, are most apparent in childhood. Although they tend to lessen during adolescence, they remain detectable into adulthood. Evidence also suggests a potential for lower educational attainment and increased costs due to additional support needs.
Researchers emphasize that the impact of being born preterm or with low birth weight can have lasting effects on learning and educational trajectories. They advocate for the early identification of at-risk children and the provision of continuous medical and educational support to help mitigate these challenges and improve lifelong outcomes.
