Abstract :
Introduction: The birth weight in newborns reflects on the maternal, neonatal and reproductive health of
the country. Appropriate birth weight is an indicator of the health status of the newborn and also predicts
the morbidity, mortality and susceptibility to a wide range of infections and diseases. There are several
antenatal factors which influence the birth weight of the newborns. This study was carried out to determine
whether maternal BMI predicted low birth weight.
Materials and Methods: A total of 185 antenatal women who presented in first trimester for regular check
up were included in this cohort study. Detailed history and examination was done after getting informed
consent. The height was recorded by a stadiometer and weight by standard weighing machine and BMI
was calculated. The participants and were followed up till delivery. The birth weight of the baby was taken
immediately after delivery and recorded. Statistical analysis was done by EPI2005 package.
Results: Among 185 women studied 48.6% of them were undernourished. There was a significant
association between low BMI and low birth weight. Low birth weight was 34% in underweight women
while it was 18% in normal women after excluding preterm (p
Conclusion: Underweight pregnant women at booking show increased risk of having low birth weight in
babies. The BMI at booking in first trimester usually reflects the pre-pregnant BMI as the weight gain in
first trimester is less. This study implies a role of improving pre-pregnant nutritional status of mother which
in turn impacts the neonatal outcome.
Keyword :
Body mass index, Low birth weight, Macrosomia, Obesity, Underweight.