Ajay Mohan Varahala, Vinod Kumar Ravilala, Prateek Gopigari
BACKGROUND Maternal factors known to contribute to low birth weight (LBW) include biological factors, nutritional factors, low socio-economic class, poor education, medical and obstetric problems. The aim and objective of this study was to identify and assess the influences of maternal factors on the neonatal birth weight. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study is undertaken at tertiary care referral centres affiliated to Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. A total of 100 mothers with live singleton new born babies with gestational age between 37 to 41 weeks and with no major congenital malformations are included in this study. Maternal data of the mothers of these babies is recorded in detail. RESULTS The total incidence of LBW in this study came as 26%. Association of low birth weight was assessed with maternal factors. The maternal factors like multiparity, pregnancy induced hypertension and eclampsia was associated with LBW and is statistically significant. The other maternal factors like age, literacy in mothers and maternal diseases associated with pregnancy were not affecting the birth weight in this study. CONCLUSION Maternal factors and her nutritional status play a major role in the anthropometry of a newborn baby more so affecting the birth weight. Maternal biological factors which may influence birth weight include parity and pregnancy associated diseases like gestational hypertension and eclampsia.
