Maternal factors as determinants of low birth weight deliveries

Abstract

Background: Maternal factors are more influential in affecting neonatal birth weight through biological and nonbiological means. Some of the bio-social factors like maternal age, parity, height, weight, gestation, etc., have been postulated to determine the birth weight of a newborn. Aim: To know the association between maternal factors and low birth weight babies. Material and Methods: In this hospital based cross sectional analytical study 326 mother with their neonates were included. Maternal factors such as age, parity, haemoglobin, height, weight and body mass index were studied for their association with low birth weight neonates. Results: The association of low birth weight with inter pregnancy interval of less than 2 years was significant (p value<0.05). However, the association of low birth weight with parity was not significant (p value>0.05). The association of low birth weight with maternal height of <150cm, weight of less than 55 kg and Hb less than 10 gm/dl was highly significant (p value<0.05). Conclusion: Many of the risks factors responsible for LBW can be identified prior to pregnancy. For reducing the prevalence of LBW there is a need of sustainable practices to improve women’s nutritional status during childhood, adolescence and prior to pregnancy. Key Word: Low birth weight, maternal factors, body mass index, haemoglobin *Address for Correspondence: Dr. Kumar Amit, Senior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, Madhubani Medical College and Hospital, Madhubani -847212, Bihar, INDIA Email: amyfred89@gmail.com Received Date: 26/01/2019 Revised Date: 10/03/2019 Accepted Date: 07/04/2019 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26611/10141015