Correlation of Maternal Anthropometry with Intrauterine Growth Restricted Neonates’ Birth Weight

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the correlation between weight, height and body mass index (BMI) of the mothers with their term intra-uterine growth restricted (IUGR) neonates’ birth weight. Material and methods: An observational, cross sectional study was conducted involving 322 term IUGR neonates and their mothers, and was compared with 336 term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates matched for that gestational age, and their mothers over a period of one year. The anthropometric measurement was done on birth weight, length, head circumference, ponderal index of neonates, and height and BMI of mothers. The maternal weight was obtained from antenatal cards. Results: Majority (72.04%) of the mothers having IUGR neonates were primi-gravida, 63.04% were of poor economic status. Mean age, weight, height and BMI of the mothers of IUGR neonates were 20.2±0.8 years, 49.1±2.3 kg, 144.1±37.2 cm, and 17.6±2.1 kg/m 2 , respectively. These parameters for the mothers of AGA neonates were 22.3±2.5 years, 54.3±2.7 kg, 155.2±42.1 cm, and 19.2±2.3 kg/m 2 , respectively. Comparison of these maternal parameters between both the groups showed a significantly higher value in the second group (p< 0.01 in all cases). Maternal weight, height and BMI showed a strong negative correlation {Pearson’s correlation coefficient of -0.53, -0.76, and -0.42 respectively; adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.72 (0.54-0.91), 0.40 (0.28-0.52) and 0.76 (0.54-0.96), respectively with the neonates’ birth weight, but maternal age did not {Pearson’s correlation coefficient of -0.32, adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.89 (0.10-1.55)}. Conclusion: There are lesser chances of development of IUGR neonates with increase in maternal weight, height and BMI.