MATERNAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEWBORNS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF SOUTHERN RAJASTHAN.: Maternal factors associated with Low birth weight newborns

Abstract

Introduction: Low birth weight is defined as weight at birth of less than 2500 g as per WHO. LBW is associated with foetal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study is to find out the maternal factors leading to low birth weight in newborns. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done for a period of one year. Mothers delivering term LBW babies from singleton pregnancy were taken as cases and mothers with term, normal weight newborns from singleton pregnancy were termed as control group. Babies with congenital malformations, still births and multiple gestations were excluded from the study. Written consent was obtained from the study group. Institutional ethical clearance was obtained. Results:  1256 babies were born during the study period and out of these 258 babies were weighing <2.5 kg thus the incidence of LBW <2.5 kg was 20.54%. Young maternal age (<30 yrs) and multi parity (≥3) had significantly increased LBW incidence of 28.7% and 32% respectively. Pregnancy complications like anaemia and Pre eclampsia had significantly increased incidence of LBW newborn of 33.455 and 29.1% respectively. Conclusion: Pregnancy related anaemia and hypertension are important risk factor for LBW. Young maternal age pregnancy and Poor ante natal visits also contributes towards LBW.   Keywords: Anaemia; Pre eclampsia; LB