Frequency of Normal Birth Length and Its Determinants: A Cross-Sectional Study in Newborns

Objectives There are several factors that may affect the length and height of the infant. Maternal factors include a wide array of factors (anthropometric, hematological, or genetic), which can affect newborn health determinants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of normal birth length and its determinants in newborns. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynaecological Department of Hamdard Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from March 1, 2019, to August 31, 2019. The relevant data were gathered by trained data collectors with the help of a structured questionnaire designed specifically for the study after taking written informed consent from all the participants. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20. Binary logistic regression was applied to develop a risk assessment model for the study outcome. Results Out of 195 pregnant mothers, 57 (29.2%) had low birth weight infants. Mean age of mothers was 29.29±5.22 years, 142 (72.8%) had BMI of 25.0 or more, 102 (52.3%) had hemoglobin between 10 to 11 mg/dL, 172 (88.2%) used to take vitamin C and iron during pregnancy, 136 (69.7%) consumed extra meals during pregnancy, and only 5 (2.6%) were tobacco smokers/chewers. Hundred (51.3%) newborns had normal birth length, i.e., >48 cm. The mother's mid-arm circumference > 22 cm (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 4.719; 95% CI: 2.337-9.527; p<0.001), consumption of extra meals during pregnancy (AOR: 3.947; 95% CI: 1.627-9.574; p=0.002), hemoglobin > 11 mg/dL (AOR: 4.314; 95% CI: 1.779-10.463; p=0.001), and adequate rest during pregnancy (AOR: 3.798; 95% CI: 1.464-9.848; p=0.006) were significantly associated with normal birth length of the infants, i.e., >48 cm. Conclusions Mother's mid-arm circumference > 22 cm, consumption of extra meals during pregnancy, hemoglobin > 11 mg/dL, and adequate rest during pregnancy were found to be significant predictors of normal birth length of the infants.