Maternal Factors for Low Birth Weight Babies

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Health
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Low birth weight (LBW) is defined as live births under 2.5 kg, posing significant risks to infant survival, health, and development.
• LBW infants face increased risks of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, visual impairments, learning disabilities, and respiratory issues.
• Understanding adverse maternal factors affecting fetal development in utero is critical for reducing LBW deliveries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate significant maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight.
• To identify specific maternal characteristics that adversely impact fetal growth and contribute to LBW.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study analyzed 40 LBW pregnancies from 650 deliveries (July 2005-June 2006).
• Maternal factors examined included age, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin levels, obstetric history, pre-eclampsia, and fetal distress.
• Data were compared with a control group of 300 non-LBW pregnancies; multiple pregnancies and stillbirths were excluded.

Main Results:

• Low pre-pregnancy maternal BMI (specifically <20 kg/m²), unbooked status, pre-eclampsia, and a history of bad obstetric outcomes were significantly associated with LBW (p<0.01).
• In 25% of LBW cases, no specific contributory maternal factor was identified.
• These factors collectively explained the majority of LBW deliveries in the study cohort.

Conclusions:

• Pre-pregnancy maternal BMI, unbooked status, pre-eclampsia, and a history of bad obstetric outcomes are significant predictors of low birth weight.
• These identified maternal factors are crucial targets for interventions aimed at preventing LBW and improving neonatal outcomes.
• Further research may be needed to explore unexplained LBW cases.