Gauging the correlation between anthropometric measurements to birth weight in subjects of urban lower socioeconomic status in Mumbai

Abstract

Background: Birth weight is largely influenced by the mother's parity, gender of the baby, conceptus number, and maternal environment. The heavier weight is seen for male babies at full-term compared to females, in singleton compared to twins, and in later-born compared to the first baby. Low-weight babies are seen in mothers of lower socioeconomic status. In urban lower socioeconomic group females, the closest correlation is seen with neonatal calf circumference. Aim: The present study was conducted to perceive the anthropometric parameters that have the best correlation with the birth weight in the urban lower socioeconomic population of Mumbai. Methods: From the post-natal ward of Sir JJ group of hospital and Cama hospital, 200 newborns who were normal-delivered, newborns, singletons, born to females with no history of infections like tuberculosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were assessed. In 200 included subjects, anthropometric parameters and birth weight were assessed. Results: Good correlation was seen in both females and males between birth weight and calf circumference, thigh circumference, mid-arm circumference, and abdominal circumference. However, poor correlation in females and good correlation in males was seen in chest circumference, head circumference, and crown to heel length.