Effect of nutritional status of pregnant women on birth weight of newborns at Butajira Referral Hospital, Butajira, Ethiopia

Abstract

Back ground:Maternal nutritional status influences the developmental environment of the fetus which consequently affects the birth weight of the newborn. However, the association between maternal nutritional factors and birth weight is complex and is not well characterized in Ethiopia.Objective:To assess the effect of maternal anthropometry and biochemical profile on birth weight of babies at Butajira Referral Hospital, Butajira, Ethiopia.Methods and materials:Laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 337 pregnant women at the hospital. Socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. Blood sample was collected from each pregnant women for determination of total serum protein, total serum cholesterol and hemoglobin level. However, maternal dietary habits were not assessed in this study.Results:A total of 337 pregnant women were involved in the study. The mean (standard deviation) birth weight of the newborns was 3.14 ± 0.46 kg. After adjusting for different maternal factors, parity (p = 0.013), hemoglobin level (p = 0.046), pre-pregnancy body mass index (p < 0.001) and weight gain during pregnancy (p < 0.001) were positively associated with birth weight of the newborns, while the associations with total protein (p = 0.822) and total cholesterol (p = 0.423) were not significant.Conclusion:This study has shown that nutritional status of pregnant women as indicated by maternal anthropometry and hemoglobin level was associated with birth weight of the baby. Therefore, nutritional status of the pregnant women should be improved to reduce the risk of low birth weight.

Nutritional status and birth outcomes among pregnant teenagers in Ghana

“…A systematic review by Marvin-Dowle et al [11] reported that pregnant adolescents have low macro and micronutrient intakes when compared to the recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Many studies suggest pre-pregnancy and pregnancy anthropometrics status such as excess weight gain, low weight, low MUAC, and maternal anaemia are strongly associated with preterm birth, and low birth weight infants in pregnant adults [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Another study in Ghana also reported an increase in oxidative biomarkers such as c-reactive protein, and low total antioxidant capacity during pregnancy [19].…”

“…Because of the added nutrients requirements for teenage pregnant girls need for their growth, the above-reported de ciencies would have a severer consequence for pregnant teenagers. The lifelong negative consequences of poor birth outcomes make the need to address poor nutrition among adults, but more importantly teenagers even more crucial [2,18].…”

“…However, among Ghanaian pregnant adolescents, much remains to be explored regarding the effects of nutrition on birth outcomes [22]. Ghana seeks to reach the set target for LBW reduction, giving considerable attention to pregnant adolescents is necessary [18]. This study sought to understand the determinants of birth outcomes among teenage pregnant girls in selected rural and urban districts of Ghana.…”

Predictors of Malnutrition among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…In addition, malnutrition among pregnant women is a major risk factor for adverse birth outcomes [12]. It will increase risks of prematurity, small for gestational age, neural tube defect, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight and a weakened immune system [13][14][15]. Furthermore, evidences showed these children were suffered from long term consequences like insu cient cognitive development, glucose metabolism abnormality and impaired body system functions [12,16,17].…”

Maternal Anthropometry and Dietary Diversity Associated with Birth Weight in Maternity Hospitals in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

“…In addition, fetal growth and birth weight are also influenced by maternal weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and total gestational weight gain [16][17][18][19][20]. From these anthropometric measurements, BMI during pregnancy and gestational weight gain have been identified as the most important determinants of birth weight [19,20].…”