Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
14:40
Instrumentation of Near-term Fetal Sheep for Multivariate Chronic Non-anesthetized Recordings
Published on: October 25, 2015
Maternal factors in predicting low birth weight babies
Hematram Yadav1, Nagarajah Lee
1International Medical University, Division of Community Medicine, International Medical University, Malaysia. yadav@imu.edu.my.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|March 8, 2013
Summary
Maternal age, low BMI, high parity, Indian ethnicity, low income, and abnormal blood pressure are key risk factors for low birth weight (LBW). Blood pressure alone predicts LBW risk, improving with additional maternal factors.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Neonatal Research
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant global health concern.
- Identifying maternal risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between maternal factors and LBW in Malaysian newborns.
- To identify predictive models for LBW risk.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 666 mothers from first booking to delivery.
- Multiple logistic regression and ROC curve analysis were employed.
- Compared infant birth weight with maternal age, BMI, parity, ethnicity, income, and blood pressure.
Main Results:
- Significant risk factors for LBW included advanced maternal age (>35 years), low pre-pregnancy BMI (<20 kg/m²), high parity (≥4), Indian ethnicity, low income, and abnormal blood pressure.
- Blood pressure alone predicted LBW with 70% sensitivity and 70% specificity.
- Including maternal age, BMI, ethnicity, and income improved prediction to 80% sensitivity and 75% specificity.
Conclusions:
- Maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and blood pressure are critical determinants of LBW.
- Maternal blood pressure is a valuable predictor of LBW, especially when combined with other demographic and socioeconomic factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...