Incidence And Potential Risk Factors Of Low Birth Weight Among Full Term Deliveries

Abstract

Background: Low birth weight (less than 2500 grams) (LBW) is a reliable indicator in monitoring and evaluating the success of maternal and child health programs. Giving birth to a LBW infant is influenced by several factors. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of LBW among live born full term deliveries in Al-Adan governmental hospital and to study the possible determinants of its occurrence. Methods: The first phase of the study was a descriptive one including all live born full term deliveries of women attended the hospital within the first 2 months of pregnancy and followed up till delivery. In the second phase LBW women (cases) were compared with a double number of women who gave birth to normal birth weight infants. Results: Among 939 women eligible for the study, the incidence of LBW was 7.8%. Reproductive age lower than 25 years, gestational age lower than 40 weeks, history of previous abortion, primiparity, maternal underweight and anemia were detected as independent risk factors for LBW. On the other hand, obesity was a protective factor. Conclusion: Low birth weight occurs frequently in Kuwait, although its incidence is much lower than in many countries in the region. Prenatal management of modifiable factors and adequate antenatal care and screening for susceptible women should be a target for all obstetricians for reducing the incidence of LBW

Key words: Low birth weight- incidence- associated factors.