O-27: Maternal Age and Low Birth Weight

Background: The weight of fetus at birth is widely acceptable parameter that can demonstrate the health of mother. Low birth weight (LBW) (birth weight less than 2500g) is significantly related to the neonatal survival and postnatal morbidity. Adolescence pregnancy is an important risk factor of LBW. The main objective of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence of LBW and relationship between maternal age and the birth weight. Materials and Methods: In a case - control cross-sectional study, during the entire year of 2008 , all births taking place in all maternity hospitals of Yazd central city of Iran evaluated and LBW neonates detected and compared from view of maternal age to control cases (birth weight > 2500g). For each LBW neonate (case group), two control cases were included. Neonate birth weight of 1500 - 2499g, less than 1500 g and less than 1000 g were classified as moderately LBW (MLBW), very LBW (VLBW) and extremely LBW (ELBW), respectively. Results: During one year, a total of 5897 deliveries took palace. The prevalence of LBW infants was 8.8%(519 neonates); of them, 8(1.5%), 39(7.5%) and 472 (91%) were ELBW, VLBW and MLBW. The incidence of LBW infants in mothers with age <20, 20-35 and 35-40 years old were: 27.5% , 6.6% and 6.5% respectively that show the teenage pregnancy increased risk of having LBW neonates (p=0.02). Conclusion: The incidence of LBW infants in Yazd, Iran, was 8.8% and teenage pregnancy (maternal age< 20 years old) was significantly associated with Low Birth Weight neonates.