Warwick study shows that adults born prematurely are less able to form romantic relations and have children

Please note this release is embargoed until: Wednesday 19 March 2025 16:00 GMT.

In a paper published in JAMA Network Open today, researchers from The University of Warwick, Monash University, and the University of Bonn, reveal that adults who were born very prematurely, or with a very low birth weight have greater difficulty in forming romantic and sexual relationships and starting a family.

The study compared data from 212 adults from the world’s longest running cohort study of very preterm (VP) children, the Bavarian Development Study, and of 202 full-term born adults in Bavaria, Germany. By the age of 35, 56.4% of the adults born healthy and full-term had children, compared to only 35.8% of adults born VP or with a very low birth weight (VLBW).

These findings extend recent research into the romantic and sexual activity of adults born VP or VLBW in Britain and Europe. These adults had more cognitive or motor issues and were more socially withdrawn, making it more difficult for them to find a romantic partner. This new study finds that having a disability and problems forming romantic relationships, partly explains why those born VP or VLBW are less likely to have children by their mid-thirties.

Miranda Kit-Yi Wong, Department of Psychology, University of Warwick said:

“Care of premature and VLBW babies is focused on neonatal care, and follow-up of these children often ceases before they start school. Parents and carers of individuals born preterm and charities are working together to extend this support by encouraging awareness in schools of the issues faced by children born prematurely, and aim to encourage greater support in adulthood. Those caring for children or adults born preterm should be aware of their special support needs.”

The study further shows that VP and VLBW babies who find a partner by their early twenties choose to reproduce earlier than their full term born peers. Those born full term more often invest longer in themselves, with lengthier education and establish a career before having children in their thirties.

Professor Dieter Wolke, Professor of Psychology, The University of Warwick said:

“Recognizing the long-term and wide-ranging effects of premature birth could help inform interventions for the growing group of adults who have survived VP and VLBW births. This group could really benefit from continued monitoring and tailored support that considers their specific needs throughout their lifespan. We may need to start thinking out of the box and consider for example, dating apps that assist those who are more socially withdrawn.”

The WHO estimates that each year 15 million newborns are born preterm (before 37 weeks) and more than 20 million are born low birth weight (below 2500 grammes). This is a leading cause of death in newborns and children under-five years, with up to 20% affected by disability, including neurosensory impairment.

The full paper is published in: JAMA Network Open, 2025;8(3):e251164

DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.1164

ENDS

Notes to editors

The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, marking its 60th anniversary in 2025. With over twenty-eight thousand students from 147 countries, it's currently ranked 9th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide. It has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. The recent Research Excellence Framework classed 92% of its research as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The University of Warwick was awarded Midlands University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times.

For further information contact:

Heather Holve, Media & Communications Officer (Science), The University of Warwick Heather.Holve@Warwick.ac.uk / 07803 052441