A cross sectional study: Assessment of maternal risk factors found in Low birth weight neonates

Dr. Nikulkumar Thakkar; Dr. Shalini Panday; Dr. Nomeeta Gupta

Volume : IX, Issue : VIII, August - 2020

A cross sectional study: Assessment of maternal risk factors found in Low birth weight neonates

Dr. Nikulkumar Thakkar, Dr. Shalini Panday, Dr. Nomeeta Gupta

Abstract :

Introduction Birth weight is one of the important factors for the survival, normal growth and development of a child. LBW is associated with compromised growth, disabilities, hospitalizations, ain damage, and poorer language development, increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in adult life. Maternal risk factor that may contribute to LBW include age, stature, socioeconomic status, multiple pregnancies, previous LBW infants and poor nutrition. Method: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in the postnatal care wards and NICU of Janta trust hospital, Patan. All live born babies born at Janta Hopsital with birth weight of less than 2.5kg during July 2019 to June 2020 were included after written consent from parents. The information regarding the study variables was record on predesigned, pretested questionnaire. Result: Out of 65 LBW babies, 46.2% were boys. Percentage of LBW babies was similar in second para and above (52.3%) as compared to primiparous mothers (47.7%). Eighteen babies (18, 27.7%) were born pre term. About 3.1% LBW babies had very low birth weight. The proportion of LBW babies was higher in 20-24 year age group (52.3%). Majority of mothers studied up to primary (84.8%). Total 63.1% had an antenatal registration with in the first trimester. Half of mothers (52.3%) visited adequately during antenatal period. Most common maternal factors found in LBW mothers were anemia (55.4%), PIH (12.0%) followed by UTI (7.7%) fever (6.2%) and APH (6.2%). Conclusion: Maternal factors like teenage pregnancy, illiteracy of the mothers, lower socioeconomic status, short birth spacing, lack of antenatal care were observed higher among low birth weight newborn. There is the need to strengthen the maternal services at community level.