Changes in anthropometry in full‐term breastfed newborns and associated factors for the first month

Abstract

ObjectiveWe aim to assess the changes and associated factors in newborn anthropometry in the first month for full‐term, healthy, and exclusive‐breastfed infants.MethodsNeonatal anthropometric measurements were taken on day 5, day 15, and day 30 after delivery. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) analyzed the changes.ResultsFrom 169 mother–newborn pairs, GEE showed that weight gain during the first month was influenced by maternal body mass index (BMI), delivery type, birth weight, and jaundice after adjusting confounding factors (p < .05). The neonatal length was affected by the smoking status of parents, gestational maternal health problems, maternal height, birth weight, and jaundice (p < .05). Neonatal head circumference was influenced by the smoking status of parents, gestational maternal health problems, maternal BMI, delivery type, maternal height, and birth weight.ConclusionAdverse perinatal factors including mother's smoke exposure, maternal obesity and diabetes, cesarean birth, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia influence anthropometry in the first months of life.