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Relation between maternal haemoglobin concentration and birth weight in different ethnic groups
P Steer1, M A Alam, J Wadsworth
1Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|February 25, 1995
Summary
The lowest hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy impacts birth weight and preterm delivery risk across all ethnic groups. Maintaining hemoglobin above 105 g/l is crucial for preventing adverse birth outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Hematology in Pregnancy
Background:
- Pregnancy is associated with physiological changes in hemoglobin concentration.
- Ethnic variations in pregnancy outcomes, including birth weight and preterm delivery, are observed.
- The relationship between maternal hemoglobin levels and fetal outcomes requires further ethnic-specific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the lowest recorded maternal hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy and birth weight.
- To determine the impact of lowest maternal hemoglobin on the incidence of low birth weight and preterm delivery.
- To analyze these relationships across diverse ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 153,602 pregnancies from 1988-1991 in the North West Thames region.
- Inclusion of data on maternal ethnic group, lowest pregnancy hemoglobin concentration, and birth weight.
- Categorization of outcomes included low birth weight (< 2500 g) and preterm delivery (< 37 weeks).
Main Results:
- Maximum mean birth weight in white women was observed with lowest hemoglobin of 85-95 g/l.
- Lowest incidence of low birth weight and preterm delivery occurred when lowest hemoglobin was 95-105 g/l.
- Similar patterns of hemoglobin-birth outcome relationships were found across all studied ethnic groups.
Conclusions:
- A significant fall in hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy is linked to birth weight.
- Hemoglobin levels failing to drop below 105 g/l are associated with increased risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery.
- While some ethnic groups have higher rates of adverse outcomes and lower hemoglobin, this 'anemia' does not fully explain their higher low birth weight rates.