Background: Although neonatology has advanced a lot in last few years, low birth weight babies still put a challenge in terms of mortality and morbidity. Maternal parameters during antenatal period are directly or indirectly linked to the birth weight of a newborn. We intended to study the effect of maternal factors on birth weight from eastern part of India. Objective: To assess the effect of maternal factors on birth weight. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Durgapur, West Bengal, from 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2020. Data were collected from the mothers who visited the pediatrics OPD with their child during the study period. Results: Out of 225 mothers, 76 mothers had babies with low birthweight which accounted for 33.78% of total babies in our study. Seventeen (22.37%) no. of LBW babies were born to young mothers (<20yrs of age). Proportion of LBW babies born to young mothers was higher than those born to normal age mothers (20-34yrs) which was found to be significant. Lower SES of families had more chances of LBW babies as compared to middle SES groups. Anemia was found in 191(84.89%) mothers which was significantly associated with higher risks of LBW. Only 4.76% of mothers (BMI 18.5-24.9) with adequate wt. gain had delivered LBW babies as compared to 37.42% of mothers with poor wt. gain which was significant. Antenatal checkup, BMI of mother in pre pregnancy period and sex of the baby was not found to influence birth weight. Conclusion: Young maternal age, poor socioeconomic status, anemia and poor weight gain during pregnancy were important predictors of low birth weight
