Fetal growth and infantile colic.

AIM: To describe how fetal growth and gestational age affect infantile colic, while considering other potential risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN: A population based follow up study of 2035 healthy singleton infants without any disability born to Danish mothers. Information was collected by self administered questionnaires at 16 and 30 weeks of gestation, at delivery, and 8 months post partum. Infantile colic is defined according to Wessel's criteria, but symptoms are restricted to crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, and for more than three weeks.

RESULTS: The cumulated incidence of infantile colic was 10.9%. Low birth weight babies (< 2500 g) had more than twice the risk (odds ratio = 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 6.1) of infantile colic when controlled for gestational age, maternal height, and smoking.

CONCLUSION: Low birth weight may be associated with infantile colic, and further research will be aimed to focus on fetal growth and infantile colic.