It is well known that low birthweight babies are at increased risk of health problems later in life.

BBC: Small babies spell danger for mother

The research team said the difference in outcome could not simply be explained by bad health habits which could affect the birthweight.

BBC: Small babies spell danger for mother

Infected mothers are far more likely to have low-birthweight or premature babies.

BBC: pipette and samples

This is the second study which shows the pronounced link between low birthweight babies and poor health later in life for the mother.

BBC: Small babies spell danger for mother

All these restrictions, he said, could protect some children from potential harm - both drinking and smoking by the parent during pregnancy can lead to low birthweight babies.

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Women with preeclampsia are more likely to have complications such as low birthweight, premature birth or placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before birth, according to the March of Dimes.

CNN: Eclampsia: 5 things you need to know

To confirm this result, the researchers also looked at characteristics such as each participant's birthweight, his mother's age when she gave birth, the mother's level of education and her marital status, all of which differ, on average, between the poor and the middle classes.

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