Maternal anthropometric characteristics as determinants of birth weight in north-west Nigeria: prospective study

This study was undertaken to determine the sensitivity and specificity of anthropometric measurements in predicting birth weight.

This was a prospective study. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used. Two hundred were used. The weight, height and BMI of the women were measured. Unclothed newborns were weighed immediately after delivery. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 statistical software. The accuracy of maternal weight, height and body mass index in predicting birth weight was compared using chi-squared test and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean maternal age was 28.2 ± 5.7 years. The mean parity was 3 ± 2. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.5 ± 2 years. The mean actual birth weight was 3.27 ± 0.53 kg. The mean maternal weight was 72.03 ± 11 kg. Maternal weight showed a strong positive correlation with birth weight (r = 0.48) and this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean maternal height was 1.64 ± 0.55 m. The mean maternal BMI was 27.9 ± 4.33. Maternal weight, height and BMI had sensitivities of 50%, 40% and 50% and specificities of 48%, 57.9% and 67.3%, respectively.

Maternal weight, height and BMI are not good predictors of birth weight and cannot be recommended for use as screening test in poor resource setting where ultrasound available.