Maternal factors affecting birthweight of uncomplicated pregnancy

Two hundred full-term pregnant mothers with no complication of pregnancy and no associated disease selected from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre were studied for their nutritional status and other characteristics. The effect of these factors on birthweight of their new-born was determined. Total calorie intake per capita per day was low being 1913. The mean birthweight was 2.9kg, 26% weighed 2.5kg or less. No significant sex difference was observed in the birthweight. Variables having a significant positive influence on birthweight were maternal age at first delivery, up to 25 years, beyond which correlation was not significant; maternal weight and maternal total calorie intake (irrespective of source) up to an intake of 2500 calorie per day, beyond which correlation was not significant. Combined effect of these three maternal factors on birthweight was highly significant. Coefficient of correlation, R being 0.81.