New research from the University of Glasgow has revealed that previous decisions by Westminster to cut economic and social protections have had a ‘striking’ impact on children born across Scotland.

Researchers have found UK government’s austerity measures from 2010 have resulted in a rise in babies being born at low birthweight and preterm.

Both low birth weight and preterm delivery are risk factors for poorer childhood health.

Collaborating with Public Health Scotland, the University of Glasgow researchers analysed almost 2.3 million births in Scotland between 1981 and 2019.

They found that, within one to three years of austerity measures being implemented, ‘striking’ increases in preterm and low birthweight babies were particularly evident among those living in Scotland’s poorest neighbourhoods.

Dr Lynda Fenton, Public Health Scotland Consultant in Public Health Medicine and a co-author on the paper, said:

“Pregnancy, birth and infancy are critically important times for giving children the best start in life. The likelihood of babies being born early is influenced by poverty and the biological, psychological and material stresses that result from trying to get by without enough income.

“This research shows that since the early 2010s there has been an increase in the percentage of babies being born earlier and smaller than expected. This has been seen particularly among those living in our most deprived areas and has occurred during a period of particular financial stress for families and services.

“Reducing poverty and inequality and supporting families is essential to see a return to improving health for pregnant women and babies.”

The increases coincided with other austerity-driven rises in the levels of child poverty.

The researchers highlighted that adverse birth outcomes are known to be associated with poverty.

The Glasgow team added that poverty and other economic can impact on placental function and foetal development in the womb, with previous research revealing that health poverty hits halfway through pregnancy.

As low birthweight and preterm birth are also risk factors for other negative health outcomes later in childhood and adulthood, the researchers emphasised that the effects of these increased rates are therefore likely to be seen for some time.

Gerry McCartney, Professor of Wellbeing Economy and co-author of the study, said:

“This is yet another study which shows the horrific effects of austerity policies on health and health inequalities in the UK: increasing death rates, declining life expectancy, and now increased rates of adverse birth outcomes.

“Although the analyses focussed on Scotland, it is likely that similar effects have been seen across the whole of the UK.

“Politicians need to react to these findings and protect the health of the poorest and most vulnerable in our society.”

The researchers say that austerity-related cuts to income, principally social security benefits, and services are key to understanding these adverse trends.

This comes amidst calls for the two-child benefit cap to be scrapped to improve children’s health.

Dr David Walsh, Senior Lecturer in Health Inequalities and lead on the study, said that given recent UK government budget decisions, it is “vital” policymakers understand the health implications of their actions:

“Our results add to the European evidence base of worsening birth outcomes associated with austerity-related economic adversity.

“Importantly for UK policymakers, we show this for a UK population. Given that austerity policies are continuing under the new Labour government, it is vital that policymakers fully understand this evidence of worsening birth trends, the causes, and their future implications for child and adult health.”

Read more: Money matters for poverty and health in Scotland; Medics warn pollution is risking children’s health; Breastfeeding: A collective responsibility; Social deprivation linked to frailty; Stressful childhood linked to ill health; ‘Bold action’ needed for children's health; Can Scotland make health fairer?