Association Between Maternal Nutrition Status and Birth Weight of Neonates in Selected Hospitals in Mysore City, India

Abstract

A cross sectional study designed to measure the nutritional status of women in the third trimester of pregnancy and to relate the birth weight of neonate as outcome of pregnancy. Participants comprised of 500 pregnant women in the age group 18-40 years who represented 7.5% of population. Mean height, weight, fundal height and haemoglobin of pregnant women were 155.6 cm, 59.5 kg, 34.0 cm and 10.6 g/dl respectively. Computation of nutrient intakes (based on 24 h recall method) showed that the mean intake of energy was 1785.0 kcal, protein 56.2, calcium 775.6 mg, iron 17.9 mg, zinc 8.5 mg and magnesium 482.3 mg. Percent adequacy of nutrient intake with reference to recommended allowances showed that only magnesium was adequate but other nutrients mentioned above were inadequate. The mean birth weight of neonates was 2.9 kg. Height, head and chest circumferences were 48.5, 33.6 and 32.3 cm respectively. Twenty five percent of neonates considered as low birth weight. Statistical analysis indicated that male neonates were heavier, taller and their head and chest circumferences were higher than female. Maternal height, weight, fundal height and haemoglobin level were significantly correlated with birth weight. Nutrient intakes, namely energy, protein, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc in the third trimester were significantly correlated with birth weight. Using binary logistic regression analysis weight, fundal height, energy and protein intake of pregnant women could be considered as predictor factors for birth weight. It is suggested that consumption of enough nutrients should be emphasized in the nutrition education component of maternal health programmes.