Women who had low birth weights are more likely to be infertile, a research group at Fujita Health University said Saturday.
The research showed that the average birth weight of women with ovulation disorders is 2.49 kg, compared with 3.2 kg for those without the problem, according to Kazumi Nakazawa, a professor at the university.
"The result indicates ovulation disorders with unknown causes may have been brought about by problems during the fetal period," Nakazawa said.
It is widely believed that a woman's diet during pregnancy is one of the main factors behind the increase in babies with low birth weight. The health ministry is now devising dietary guidelines for pregnant women.
Given other reports that women with ovulation disorders are more likely to develop lifestyle-related diseases, Nakazawa emphasized that steps are needed to prevent low birth weights.