This study was conducted between April and June 2008 in the labour ward of Elfasher Hospital in western Sudan to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for low birthweight (LBW; <2500g). Among 430 singleton births, 64 (14.9%) of the neonates had LBW. Although maternal sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements were not associated with LBW, maternal anaemia was the main risk factor for LBW (odds ratio: 5.1, 95% CI 1.7-15.2; P=0.003). Thus more attention to maternal nutrition and the prevention of anaemia may prevent LBW in this setting.

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Figure 1 Receiver-operator characteristic curve of creatine phosphokinase in the prediction of ectopic pregnancy.

The study showed that spontaneous preterm birth predominates in this setting. Preterm birth has a tendency to recur. Infections (periodontal) and nutrition were the risk factors for preterm birth. More research is needed especially in the area of nutrition and oral hygiene.

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