Early Life Factors Such as Breastfeeding, Birth Weight, and Maternal Smoking Influence Child Behavioral Outcomes

Recent research has shed light on how specific early life factors can serve as predictors for behavioral and emotional difficulties in children by the age of five. A comprehensive study utilizing artificial intelligence analyzed data from nearly 6,000 children within the UK, focusing on pregnancy and neonatal risk factors. The findings reveal that lack of breastfeeding, low birth weight, and maternal smoking during pregnancy are significant indicators of potential behavioral challenges later in childhood.

Interestingly, the study also identified sex-based differences in vulnerability, with boys more affected by maternal smoking and girls more prone to fussiness during infancy. The lead researcher, Xu Zong from the University of Helsinki, emphasizes the importance of implementing gender-responsive strategies in early screening and intervention efforts.

The application of machine learning and big data analytics allowed researchers to explore complex relationships among 14 prenatal and postnatal factors, highlighting the critical impact of early-life conditions on long-term mental health. Zong advocates for increased investment in preventive care from the very start of pregnancy, aiming to mitigate future behavioral issues.

These insights are particularly timely, as worldwide concerns about the rise in children's emotional and behavioral issues grow. This study underscores the potential of early indicators to inform preventive strategies, ultimately fostering better mental health outcomes for children.

The international collaboration involved experts from the University of Helsinki, Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet Sweden, and the University of Essex in the UK. The findings were published in the Journal of Affective Disorders (2025).

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-lack-breastfeeding-birth-weight-pregnancy.html