The fetal origins of disease hypothesis suggests that adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA) are associated with neurodevelopmental and mental health problems, and a poor quality of life. Preterm birth has been reported to be associated with a higher association with emotional problems whereas SGA is reported to be associated with higher risk of depressive and anxious symptoms. The incidence and prevalence of mental health disorders, especially in adolescents continues to rise. The etiology of mental health problems is multifactorial, involving social, psychological, environmental, and biological factors. There is limited research on the associations between preterm birth and SGA and the risk of depression and anxiety in adolescence. Preschool motor testing at age 1 and 5 years is reported to not have any association with psychiatric symptoms, while motor problems experienced by individuals at the age of 14 are reported to be related. This can be explained by individuals facing adolescence and puberty undergoing cerebral maturation. Thus, the association between motor problems and adult anxiety and depression is more significant at the age of adolescence and after puberty (10). This research would also be important for healthcare providers and policymakers in providing support to mothers looking after themselves during pregnancy and in supporting infants who are born pre-term or having small for gestational age. Using data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a large representative cohort (18,500 children) of the UK children born in 2000-2002, with a wide range of data on potential confounders I aim:
To investigate the association between preterm birth and small for gestational age and risk of depression and anxiety in adolescents at age 17 years old
To examine whether any associations between preterm birth and small for gestational age and the risk of depression and anxiety are sex-specific
