The Association between Birth Weight, Height and Some Maternal Risk Factors

Background and purpose: Since a large proportion of fetal mortality is associated with low birth weight (LBW) and regarding that fetal development is a vulnerable process influenced by maternal risk factors, this study examined some maternal risk factors associated with LBW infants. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted based on the medical files of 300 infants born in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels Sajjadieh Arjomand Health Care Center, Kerman County, Iran. The required data were registered in a predeveloped checklist. The data were analyzed by SPSS Software using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean weight of the infants was 3.22 &plusmn; 0.36 kg, the mean height 48.4 &plusmn; 0.3 cm, and the mean head circumference 35.00 &plusmn; 1.74 cm. The results indicated a significant association of the parity, maternal weight gain, pregnancy-induced hypertension, type of pregnancy (planned or unplanned), and abortion history with the birth weight (P < 0.050). Conclusion: Regarding the findings of this study, health centers should study the risk factors before and during pregnancy more seriously. Many risks for LBW can be identified before pregnancy occurs.