The Correlation Between Total Cholesterol Levels In Pregnancy Women And Baby Birth Weight

Received: December, 5, 2020 Revised: April, 14, 2021 Available online: May 2021 Maternal nutritional intake during pregnancy will affect fetal growth and development, including cholesterol intake. The fetus obtains amino acids and fatty acids through the placental absorption mechanism. The fetus needs cholesterol levels in pregnant women to meet fetal cholesterol during organogenesis. This study aims to determine the correlation between total cholesterol levels in pregnant women and baby birth weight. The research method was a prospective cohort. It took place at the Endang Maternity Clinic, Sidoarjo, from June to August 2020. The sample in this study was 33 respondents in the third trimester of pregnancy. This paper used purposive sampling. The independent variable was total cholesterol levels, while the dependent variable was baby birth weight. Cholesterol levels were evaluated by digital measurements using easy touch GCU (Glucose, Cholesterol, Uric acid) meter device, while birth weight was measured using baby scales. The data analysis utilized fisher's exact test. The results showed that most respondents had normal cholesterol levels (75.8%) and a baby birth weight between 2500 4000 grams (81.8%). Based on the data analysis p-value was 0.137(p > 0.05). This study concludes that there is no correlation between total cholesterol levels in pregnant women and baby birth weight. Health workers should conduct cholesterol counseling and monitoring in pregnant women.