Poor maternal anthropometric characteristics and newborns' birth weight and length: a cross-sectional study in Benin

Maternal undernutrition is known to negatively impact newborns' birth weight and length, but this finding is poorly documented in the Beninese population. This study aimed to assess the effect of maternal anthropometry on mean birth weight and length in a Beninese cohort of newborns.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Tori Bossito, Republic of Benin. Pregnant women attending maternity wards between June 2007 and July 2008 were recruited. At delivery the women's characteristics, including weight and height, were gathered and newborns' birth weights and lengths were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using multiple linear regression.

A total of 526 mother-infant pairs were enrolled; 29.8% of women had low weight status and 26.2% had short stature (<155 cm). The mean birth weight was 2985 g (standard deviation [SD] 384) the mean birth length was 48.7 cm (SD 2.2). Maternal low weight status (coefficient=-151.81, p<0.001) and short stature (coefficient=-135.49, p<0.001) reduced the mean birth weight. Similar results were found for mean birth length, which was decreased by maternal low weight status (coefficient=-0.42, p=0.04) and short stature (coefficient=-0.51, p=0.01).

Maternal undernutrition expressed by low anthropometry remains problematic in the Beninese population and induces transmission of malnutrition. Nutritional interventions are required to break this vicious cycle.